By Adnan Hameed
TWA
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A seminar organized by the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar, in collaboration with the Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR), advocated for increased political inclusion of women in the upcoming general elections. The event brought together influential figures, including Amna Munawwar Awan (President COPAIR), Nabila Malick (UN Women), and representatives from major political parties like Azma Bukhari (PML-N) and Farzana Yaqub (PPP).
Participants shared insights into the challenges faced by female candidates during political campaigns, emphasizing the imperative for enhanced security measures. The recommendations from the seminar included a plea for political parties to prioritize women’s representation by advocating for integration into the general candidate pool rather than separate reserved seats.
Ms. Nilofar Bakhtiar asserted, “Women drive policymaking in offices and play a key role in designing bills; hence, they deserve representation in assemblies rather than confined to secretariats.” The seminar unanimously called for a 5% quota for women’s representation, highlighting the ongoing struggle to achieve this goal.
Security concerns for female candidates were addressed, urging political parties to ensure the safety of women actively participating in elections. The media was also called upon to provide equal airtime to female candidates, with dedicated reporters assigned to constituencies featuring women candidates.
Furthermore, seminar participants committed to advocating for the passage of the child marriage bill in both national and provincial assemblies in the upcoming governments. The press release concluded with a resolute call for scrutiny of party manifestos by women to ensure alignment with their rights and a rejection of cabinets and ministries devoid of women’s voices.
This seminar signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse on women’s rights in politics, emphasizing the necessity of equal representation and security for women on the political stage.
