Call for increasing women’s participation in political sphere

The Marvi Rural Development Organization (MRDO) under the umbrella of the Coalition for Inclusive Pakistan (CIP) recently organised a provincial convention on the theme ‘Enhancing Women’s Social, Economic, Electoral and Political Participation’.

The speakers at the convention included Sindh Human Rights Commission Chairperson Iqbal Detho, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan council member Puspha Kumari, Assistant Commissioner Sarmad Wassan, Social Welfare Department Director Voluntary Agencies Abdul Hameed Shaikh, representative from women development department Sabiha Shah and MPA Barrister Halar Wassan who was the chief guest of the event that was attended by university students, members of civil society organisations, lawyers, journalists and government officials.

MRDO Chief Executive Officer Sughra Solangi said the MRDO was implementing a project on the participation of women in social, economic and electoral process in Sukkur district and it had initiated project activities in those union councils where the women turnout was low and where women were facing discriminatory issues.

She added that sociocultural and economic barriers also restricted women’s participation in the political system. Sughra said women faced the challenges of sex segregation, illiteracy and lack of awareness of their political rights. Moreover, sociocultural values in that area accorded women a socially inferior position that hindered the political empowerment of women.

Detho said women related legislation had been made and they were getting implemented but still more needed to be done. He added that we needed to strengthen the local bodies system. He also shared insights into the SHRC's latest initiatives for women. He shared the history of women's struggles, tracing back to movements against slavery and for equal rights.

Barrister Wassan commended the MRDO team for their efforts in organising an event addressing critical women issues. He said that during his election campaign, he pledged to prioritise various aspects concerning the welfare of women in his constituency such as enhancing access to education for girls, ensuring the protection and health of women, facilitating entrepreneurship opportunities and connecting women with government financial schemes.

Highlighting his party's stance, he said the Pakistan Peoples Party had worked for women's rights and empowerment. He pledged to champion legislative reforms aimed at benefiting rural women, underscoring his commitment to advancing gender equality and women. The MRDO at the end of the event presented a charter of demand for women’s representation, advocating for equal rights and opportunities.