SWAT: Two civil society groups, including the Coalition for Inclusive Pakistan (CIP) and the Women Welfare and Development Organisation, jointly held a convention here on Tuesday to highlight the need for increasing women’s participation in socio-political and electoral spheres.

The event was held at the Swat Press Club, where a large number of women, transgender persons, and people with disabilities were in attendance.

District social welfare officer Salim Khan, education department officer Ghulam Ahad and civil society activists were also in attendance.

WWDO project coordinator Noorullah Khansaid the event was meant to raise public awareness of women’s fundamental rights in socio-political and electoral domains.

He highlighted the social, electoral, and political challenges facing women and called for women’s active participation in those spheres.

WWDO chairpersonGul-i-Khandana said women knew their issues more than men did, so they would benefit more if they drafted laws on those issues for effective resolution.

She regretted that predominantly, male lawmakers formulated policies for women.

Gul-i-Khandana said such events helped promote gender equality and inclusivity in society.

She said the current partnership of stakeholders would bolster efforts to amplify women’s voices and improve societal conditions.

She demanded the effective implementation of laws on the rights of women, PWDs, and transgender persons.

Mr Salim and Mr Ahad said their departments would cater to the needs of women and transgender individuals and ensure the provision of legal rights to them.

They also promised to advance women’s rights by fostering an inclusive environment.

CIP and women participants unveiled a charter of demands.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2024