Pakistan has embarked on an ambitious journey towards gender equality with the launch of “Next Horizon,” a series of national conferences scheduled from June 25 to 28, 2024. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) in collaboration with UN Women Pakistan, aims to create a comprehensive National Agenda for women’s economic empowerment.
Key Figures and Collaborations
Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson of the NCSW, leads this initiative alongside representatives from various UN agencies. Notable participants include Dr. Samuel Rizk from UNDP Pakistan, Mustafa Deniz from UNICEF Pakistan, Latika Mashey Pradhan from UNFPA, and Saman Ahsan from UN Women. International partnerships with organizations such as UNFPA, UNICEF, and the British Council ensure the integration of global best practices.
Major Area
The conferences addressed critical themes including health, climate change, law reforms, and education. These discussions align closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality. The initiative’s timing is significant, preceding the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the upcoming review of the 1995 Beijing Declaration implementation.
“Next Horizon” adopts an inclusive approach, bringing together diverse stakeholders including government representatives, civil society organizations, academics, and international partners. This collaborative strategy aims to ensure comprehensive and practical action plans that reflect the diverse needs of women across Pakistan.
Addressing Issues
The conferences will tackle a range of issues:
Health: Improving maternal mortality rates and access to reproductive health services
Education: Increasing girls’ participation, especially in rural areas
Law Reforms: Addressing domestic violence, inheritance rights, and workplace discrimination
Climate Change: Involving women in mitigation and adaptation strategies
Media’s Role
The media is expected to play a crucial role in raising public awareness about women’s issues and mobilizing support for gender equality initiatives through coverage of the conferences and resulting action plans.
Outcomes
The outcomes of these dialogues are anticipated to have far-reaching implications, not only shaping Pakistan’s approach to women’s rights and gender equality but also providing valuable insights for other countries facing similar challenges. The initiative is expected to establish a new benchmark for gender equality in Pakistan.
As actor Fawad Khan, a champion of gender equality, stated, “Women and men are channels for change & sustainable development. We must recognize women’s equal share, acknowledge their struggles, and advocate for equal opportunities and shared success.”
With “Next Horizon,” Pakistan takes a significant step towards advancing women’s empowerment, potentially effecting meaningful change in the lives of millions of Pakistani women and setting a new standard for gender equality initiatives in the region.
Check UN Women Pakistan twitter for updates
Check National Commission on the Status of Women twitter for updates
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