National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) launched four research studies and paid tribute to women parliamentarians for their efforts towards women’s empowerment in Pakistan. The studies were carried out with the support of Aurat Foundation and USAID under Gender Equity Programme (GEP). The ceremony was attended by a multitude of people from all walks of life. NCSW Chairperson Anis Haroon said that NCSW was authorized to make recommendations to amend, abolish or repeal such laws, policies and customary practices which undermine and deny the fundamental rights and dignified status to women and minorities in Pakistan. She deliberated upon the role of NCSW, especially after the introduction of 18th Amendment in the constitution.
GEP representative Simi Kamal told that GEP was a USAID supported programme of Aurat Foundation focusing on reducing gender-based violence, improving access of women to justice, empowerment at home, the workplace and public spaces, as well as building capacities of institutions for Gender Empowerment. GEP works with critical Pakistani govt organisation on a cooperative basis in support of the gender policies”, she added.
Simi Kamal also gave an overview of the research programme of NCSW which is being financed by USAID under Gender Equity Programme of Aurat Foundation and highlighted the importance and need for carrying out the studies.
Research studies were presented by the authors who shared the key findings with audience. The second segment featured the parliamentarians from across Pakistan. The studies included “Appraisal of the Capacities of Women Development Departments (WDDs) at provincial level” by Dr Riffat Haque, “Shelter/Crisis Centres and Gender Crime Cell” by Afia Zia, “Assessment of Disaster Management Institutions and Development of a Gender Responsive Preparedness Plan” by Mr Sohail Manzoor.