LAHORE: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), in collaboration with the European Union-funded Huqooq-e-Pakistan Project (HeP), will launch its strategic plan in October.

This was announced by NCSW chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar while speaking at three-day strategic plan consultations with government officials and civil society representatives. These consultations aimed at gathering a broad range of opinions to devise a strategic plan. They engaged the participants seeking their views on women’s rights in Pakistan and their awareness of NCSW’s role, past performance, and achievements.

The participants had extensive discussions on NCSW’s functions and mission. The consultations were presided over by Nilofar Bakhtiar and led by Dr Osama Siddique, a senior expert from HeP.

In her address to the participants, Nilofar Bakhtiar stated that the commission “is committed to representing the diverse voices of women across every district in Pakistan as we work towards realizing gender equality in the public and private spheres.” She said that opinions and recommendations from participants would be taken into account while preparing the strategic plan and determining the next steps for the commission.

HeP’s Project Manager Shazil Malik emphasised the importance of commissions like NCSW given their vital role in safeguarding human rights in Pakistan. “Developing the commission’s strategic plan through consultations with civil society and the government across Pakistan ensures that diverse perspectives are considered as NCSW charts its plan for the next three years.”

He shared that the NCSW would hold similar consultations in Peshawar, Karachi, and Islamabad in the coming weeks.

During the last three days, the NCSW chairperson held meetings with the Punjab governor, the chief minister, the Punjab Assembly speaker and the Punjab law minister. She discussed appointment of Chairperson Punjab Commission on the Status of Women, establishment of Women Caucus in Punjab Assembly and legislation pending in the Assembly. She also discussed issues in the implementation of women laws.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2021