Election 2024: Non-discriminatory framework for women urged

ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has urged all government bodies to ensure arrangements for a safe, secure, impartial, and non-discriminatory framework for women and girls for their participation in upcoming polls.

In a statement, NCSW Secretary Khawaja Imran Raza said it is imperative to ensure that the national narrative of women’s empowerment is followed in letter and spirit based on gender equality, equal rights, and equal opportunities.

The above-mentioned opportunities are required “so that nowhere, women be discriminated against and nowhere should they face harassment or violence”.

The NCSW secretary mentioned that the elections are on the anvil; hence it is the responsibility of state institutions to safeguard the interest of women and girls so that they shall feel safe and secure to freely participate in the upcoming polls in a non-discriminatory and well-protected playing field for exercise of their free choice.

Considering Pakistan’s international commitments (CEDAW) and as enshrined in Article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, the statement said it is obligatory on state apparatus to ensure maximum women and girls’ participation in the upcoming elections for which all government functionaries shall provide fair and impartial treatment to all women candidates, supporters, and voters, polling staff and polling agents so that they can exercise their free will.

“Appropriate measures may be taken to curb the instances of harassment and violence, especially, hate speech against women during the election campaign and on the polling day.”

It goes without saying that the gender parity and women empowerment goals are not only a moral imperative, but it is also a fundamental catalyst for social, economic, political, and cultural advancement in the country, he added.