The SDPD, a parliamentary development programme of UNDP, has appreciated the passage of Prevention of Anti–Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Bill 2011, terming it a landmark achievement for women’s empowerment. Marvi Sarmed, national manager of SDPD, congratulated NA Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza, Dr Donia Aziz-author of the bill, members of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, women’s rights activists and all the women of Pakistan for this huge success.
The bill covers anti-women practices like forced marriages, wani, badla–e-sulh or using women for settling disputes and recommends punishments for these crimes. The bill also ensures that women are not denied their share in inherited property. Marvi Sarmed expressed the hope that the bill would pave the way for greater gender equality in Pakistan and empower women.