ISLAMABAD: Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) Nilofar Bakhtiar on Saturday emphasised the need for focusing on the growth of differently-abled children, transgender children, and rehabilitation of children from sexual abuse.

She was chairing the first meeting of the Steering Committee on the “Art of Parenting” initiative.

The meeting was participated by partner organisations including the Aga Khan Development Network, the National Institute of Psychology from Quaid-i-Azam University, Aga Khan University, and Dukhtaran-i-Pakistan.

A statement issued here said that key representatives from the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Health, and Pakistan Television were also present to discuss and advance the policy framework.

During the meeting, comprehensive discussions were held regarding the guidebooks for trainer training, named “Agoosh” and “Parwarish”.

These guidebooks would cover essential aspects of child development and care from birth to the age of 19, detailing the attention required, traits to be nurtured, and appropriate treatments for various developmental stages.

Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar, in her welcome address, commended the contributions from all partner organisations.

The participants engaged in an in-depth review of the guidebooks’ chapters, offering suggestions and insights.

Discussions also included the official launch of the policy and the allocation of tasks to various partners.

Emphasis was placed on increasing the involvement of newly joined nominees from different ministries, encouraging them to contribute their expertise to this national cause.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2024