Gender equality is more than a moral imperative; it is essential for a fair and just society and a catalyst for economic and social progress. It is enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution and reinforced by our commitments to international frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Under patriarchal structures, women’s labour is often unrecognised, undervalued, and excluded from formal decision-making processes. For example, women form the backbone of our agricultural workforce, care for families, and contribute to society in countless ways, yet they remain marginalised. It is for this reason that women constitute about 22.63 per cent of the formal labor force, while men make up 84.79 per cent.
Ranked among the lowest in gender equality in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, gaps in education, economic participation, and political empowerment persist. These disparities hinder collective progress, and Punjab, as Pakistan’s most populous province, must lead by example in bridging these divides.
Similarly, the gender gap in property ownership is also large with only 3.0 per cent of women owning a house versus 72 per cent for men and 2.0 per cent of women owning land.
Similarly, women are disproportionately affected by adverse changes, whether economic or climate related. For example, the 2022 floods exposed the vulnerabilities of 650,000 pregnant women in affected areas with limited healthcare access. Women often prioritise their children and livestock during crises, sacrificing their own well-being. Climate strategies must center women’s needs to build resilience and achieve equitable outcomes.
Punjab cannot achieve its economic potential without women’s full participation in the workforce. Women constitute half of the province’s population but remain underrepresented. Women these gaps is essential for sustainable development. Studies confirm that gender equality accelerates economic growth and strengthens communities.
Without a seat at the table, they lack the power to influence policies that directly impact their lives. This exclusion is not only unjust but also detrimental to our progress as a nation.
Despite great obstacles, Pakistan’s history highlights the critical role of women in historic democratic struggles. From Fatima Jinnah’s fearless stand against authoritarianism to Benazir Bhutto’s groundbreaking leadership as the first female prime minister in the Muslim world, and Begum Kalsoom Nawaz and Begum Nusrat Bhutto’s resolute struggles against dictatorship, these leaders embody commitments to democratic ideals, resilience and determination.
The present Punjab Assembly benefits from exceptional women parliamentarians like Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who bring fresh energy to governance. Similarly, the Assembly is enriched by the experience of like Zakia Shahnawaz and Madam Ishrat Ashraf, whose decades-long contributions inspire all. Women legislators consistently demonstrate higher attendance and commitment, enhancing legislative proceedings and committee effectiveness.
Yet, persistent gender disparities in Pakistan remind us of the urgent need to mainstream gender equity across all facets of governance and society. As speaker of the Punjab Assembly, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative potential of inclusive governance.
To institutionalise gender equality, we have introduced pioneering reforms. For the first time in South Asia, our revised Rules of Procedure mandate the inclusion of at least two women members in every Standing Committee. This guarantees women’s voices in legislative deliberations and ensures their perspectives shape critical policy decisions.
The establishment of the Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) represents another milestone. This bipartisan platform unites women legislators to champion gender-sensitive legislation, foster mentorship, and engage with civil society and international partners. The WPC has immense potential to drive meaningful reforms for the betterment of women and marginalised groups across Punjab.
Recognising the importance of systemic change, I have also constituted a Special Gender Mainstreaming Committee tasked with reviewing laws and recommending administrative and legal reforms for women’s empowerment. This empowered body ensures that equity and justice remain central to all legislative actions.
Our assembly is also planning a gender audit and the release of a comprehensive gender report to assess existing gaps and develop actionable solutions. Gender-sensitive training programmes are being conducted to build the capacity of women parliamentarians, enabling them to lead with confidence and purpose.
These reforms are already yielding results. The Punjab Assembly’s proceedings have become more robust, debates more informed, and committees more effective. Women’s active participation has elevated the quality of legislative work, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Equity is a right, not a privilege. It is essential for building a just and sustainable society. However, achieving gender equality requires collective effort. I urge gender rights activists, civil society organisations, academics, and citizens to collaborate with the Punjab Assembly to strengthen these reforms. Tools like public petitions, expert testimonies in committees, and advocacy with the WPC can drive significant change.
Together, we can amplify women’s voices and ensure their concerns are central to policy-making. By building coalitions and fostering active citizen engagement, we can transform our democratic institutions into true champions of gender equity.
The writer is the speaker of the Punjab Assembly.
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