Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence is an international campaign originating from the first Women Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership In 1991.

To commemorate 16 Days of Activism and International Human Rights Day, UN Women in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights and National Commission of the Status of Women co-organised a briefing session at a local hotel on “Women’s Rights in FATA.” UN Women has undertaken a gender analysis of legal reforms and customary practices in FATA, in order to strengthen evidence base for legal reforms and policy action. This informative briefing session was an opportunity for UN Women to share the analysis and key findings of this gender analysis.

Mr. Jamshed Kazi Country Representative of UN Women welcomed the guests to the session and spoke about the importance of sharing these key findings with stakeholders in order to better formulate policy. He said “UN Women is working on FATA to collect data, do gender analysis etc. in order to have it used for policy action in partnership with civil society and government stake holders.”

Ms. Rabiya Javeri Agha Secretary Ministry of Human Rights spoke about the linkage between women’s rights and human rights and the work of the ministry in this regards. She said “We are mandated to support all human rights institutions in the country.” She further said “I commend UN Women because this gender analysis work will address the gender concerns in the environment of reforms that is going on right now.”

Ms. Khawar Mumtaz Chairperson National Commission on Status of Women (NCSW) gave the concluding remarks and spoke about the way forward. She pointed out the need to work on mainstreaming FATA women and closing the gender gaps, especially in voter registration and informed that “The commission is ready to work with women in FATA. We hope to get our member from FATA soon.” She concluded on a positive note by saying “When you work with passion, the things always change.”

UN Women also launched a very enlightening documentary showcasing women’s experiences and achievements in FATA, with the aim to amplify the voices of women for inclusion in all stages of reforms process.

The overall feel of the event was that women need to have a stronger role in FATA reforms process and their priorities should be duly reflected in the legal and policy reforms. While enormous challenges are there, efforts are being made to ensure women’s inclusion and representation in order to safeguard women’s rights in FATA. With the coordination and cooperation of all stakeholders i.e. Government, civil society etc., desired positive change can be brought forward to improve the lives of all citizens especially women.

Published in Daily Times, December 15^th 2017.