ISLAMABAD, March 6: Draft national policy for development and empowerment of women, expected to be announced on the eve of International Women’s Day, would help address gender inequities in all areas of national development.

With main focus on 12 areas of concern, the policy would facilitate all Pakistani women, irrespective of their caste, creed and religion to fully utilize their potential in various spheres of life.

These areas of concern have been globally recognized as ‘areas of particular urgency that stand out as priorities for action’. “It will be guided and abided by the principles of gender equality and equity at all times,” notes the draft policy.

The government, accepting its national and international commitments and being cognizant of the needs to maximize women’s role, has decided to enhance women’s participation in decision- making and securing their rights.

It will also cover all socio-economic and other sectors that impact women and men. In particular, the policy will address affirmative actions needed in the areas of concern and in the sectors outlined in the five-year plans, with special emphasis on budgetary allocations.

The policy will advocate and highlight religious rights and obligations of society towards women and girls in all spheres of their life.

As the policies for health, education, population and other sectors are in place, the policy will support all measures that take into account the benefits of educating girls and women, on the principle that educating girls and women means educating a whole family.

The policy will advocate measures for adequate provision of social safety nets.—APP