Archive News

Message from Chairperson NCSW on National Working Women’s Day

The 22nd December has been declared National Working Women’s Day by the Prime Minister of Pakistan on 22^nd December, 2010 in recognition of decade’s long struggle put up by working women to secure dignified, respectful and enabling working environment. The day is also celebrated to acknowledge the economic contributions made by working women to the country at large.

Pakistan is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of women joining its workforce. The National Commission on the Status of Women joins hands with the Government of Pakistan and other civil society organizations to felicitate the dynamic working women in Pakistan, who despite all kinds of hurdles and obstacles made their way into the mainstream society and are playing their economic roles more effectively and productively.

In public and private sector women are working as HR managers, Police Officers, CEOs, Directors, Business Executives, Journalists, Lawyers, and Fighter Pilots. Pakistan is the only Islamic country, which has given the top most slots in the areas of governance.  The present PPP government has also shown its unswerving commitment and dedication to the cause of women by promulgating The ‘Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Bill 2009. It was a landmark move made by the present government to facilitate working women in Pakistan to work without fear of being harassed or discriminated. The National Implementation Watch Committee formed by Prime Minister from the Platform of NCSW ensured compliance with the Law. The strict monitoring done by NCSW watch committee has resulted in adoption of code of conduct and formation of committee by thousands of public and private sector organizations across the country.

Despite this phenomenal change in the socio economic status of women, there is still lot needs to be done. In Pakistan the women’s participation in formal work force is still low. 80 to 85 percent women work in informal sector as laborer and agriculture workers.  These women workers are paid only half of what their male counterparts earn. Their economic interest needs to be secured by introducing policies and laws for them. We also need to acknowledge the rights and contributions of Home Based Workers on this occasion and bring in necessary legislation to secure their economic rights.

The working women face harsh conditions and face challenges like equal wages, glass ceiling effect, sexual harassment and other work-related concerns that need to be addressed at work place.  Pakistan has ratified C-111 (Discrimination Convention, 1958) in 1961 and C-100 (Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951) in 2001.After ratification country has a legal obligation to comply with provisions & is monitored by ILO’s Committee on Application of Standards. There is immediate need to bring in necessary legislation and policies to in order to implement the conventions.

On this occasion, we also urge the Government of Pakistan to grant complete administrative and financial autonomy to the National Commission on Status of Women and implement the 10 percent quota for women in the government jobs. The process to review all discriminatory laws against women shall be reinitiated and re introducing pending laws regarding women will surely contribute to further empowerment and emancipation of women.

NCSW Celebrates the Day of Provincial Autonomy

The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) welcomes the successful completion of devolution process. It organized a major celebration at its premises to commend the historic achievement that the people of Pakistan wanted badly. It also celebrated its own autonomy which they got through a new bill recently passed by the cabinet with the approval of the last round of recommendations of the Implementation Commission.  Anis Haroon the chairperson said that now the manner in which the Commission will operate and contribute will be much different. With the autonomy we will at last be able to operate independently. Begum Shehnaz Wazir Ali MNA also attending this celebration said that an autonomous commission can now be more assertive and play a more meaningful role in promoting women’s rights agenda. The Commission reiterated its solidarity with the provinces in celebrating the day for Provincial Autonomy. Anis Haroon said, we believe that the devolution of powers to the provinces will strengthen the Federation and this country.

As a result of the devolution process, the role of NCSW has been further strengthened and made financially and administratively independent. It will now be called National Commission for Women (NCW) and it will be attached with Ministry of Human Rights.

The Commission appreciates the efforts of Senator Raza Rabbani, the chairperson of the Implementation Commission in this whole process.  The Commission ensured a smooth and transparent transfer of powers effectively and successfully.  The Chair and his team, very responsibly, thought through the functions of each Ministry and made sure that there were no gaps.

The Commission believes that since all the issues of social sector have been devolved to the provinces, therefore, it was essential for the women’s issues to be devolved also. Provinces will be able to legislate on local issues more effectively and in timely manner.  The anti women customary practices are so prevalent across the country and women’s lives are under extreme threat due to their existence. The provinces will be able to address those women’s issues which are propagated under the name of religion and culture. Now we are looking towards the provinces to take the issues of women more seriously and move legislation that addresses such customary practices.

The NCSW looks forward to work with provincial governments and provide any technical support that will be required to deal with women’s issues.  The Commission expects from the provincial governments that they will ensure that the fruits of devolution reached to the women at the grass roots level. We congratulate the nation at this historic achievement and fully celebrate the day of provincial autonomy

NCSW Lauds the Government for Filing Appeal against FSC Judgment regarding WPA2006

The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) welcomes the filing of appeal by the Federal Government against the judgment passed by Federal Shariat Court (FSC) dated: 22-12-2010, whereby, several sections of the Women Protection Act 2006 were declared illegal and unconstitutional.

 A delegation of the NCSW comprising Chairperson Ms.Anis Haroon and members of Law Committee Justice(R)Majida Razvi, Justice(R)Kalash Nath Mehta, Ms.Nasreen Azhar,Ms.Raashda Anwar and Lawyer Ms.Saadia Mumtaaz met the Law Minister Mr.Maula Bakhsh Chandio in connection with the judgment of the FSC. The delegation was informed by the Law Minister that the appeal has already been filed by the Federal Government on 26-05-2011 against this judgment.

 The Law Minister also assured his full cooperation to the Commission for the advancement of women’s empowerment.

NCSW and members of IHI disappointed at the verdict of Supreme Court in Mukhtaran Mai case

The National Commission on the Status of Women and members of Insani Huqooq Ittehad, including PODA, Mehergargh, Aurat Foundation, Rozan, Sungi, Bedari, Ethno Media, Pattan and SPO convened an emergency meeting to express deep shock and disappointment at the verdict given by the superior court in the Mukhtara Mai gang rape case today. Although the judgment did prove that Mukhtara was raped because one accused did get life imprisonment, while others were acquitted. We are surprised to see why only one accused was punished and others were acquitted on a charge of ‘gang rape’.

The Commission and members of civil society felt that this was the reflection of a biased and inefficient criminal justice system. This case has been a classic example of how the facts were distorted and documentation of the evidence was tampered with at all levels.

The group expressed concern at the long delays to dispense justice. The victim was raped in 2002 on the instructions of the local Panchayat.  In 2005 the chief justice of the superior court took suo moto notice of the case. Despite the intervention it took more than nine years to come up with this decision, which is a source of concern for the women of Pakistan.   It is feared that this decision might further strengthen the anti women parallel legal and judicial systems and mechanisms in the country. We feel that the criminal justice system too is not pro women and is patriarchal in nature. Impunity is the order of the day.  

In cases of complaints women victims are burdened to provide series of evidences which is not possible for them. It is the responsibility of the police to do the investigation and come up with the requisite evidence.  Currently, methods of recording evidence by police are biased against women; and that is one reason that they do not get justice from the courts.

There is also a need to look at the women’s representation in all those systems and mechanism dealing with matters of crimes and justice. Women’s lack of proportionate representation in lower and upper judiciary is paving the way for verdicts against women victims.  There is dire need to start a rational discourse on the lack of women’s representation within the courts.

Today’s judgment has shaken the confidence and sense of security of women of Pakistan to stand up for their rights. It reflects a faulty investigation of the police and the loop holes that are left intentionally to side with the power brokers. The outcome of Mukhtara case discourages survivors of rape and gang rape to report. However, we are proud of Mukhtara Mai, who stood bravely against all intimidation and harassment and has refused to buckle under life threats. She has given a message of courage and hope to all women victims of our country. We consider her a role model for women of Pakistan.

At the end we also condemn the insensitive and pathetic attitude of some sections of media, who were grinning at the verdict and clapped after they recorded the responses on the judgment. The owners and editors of these media houses are urged to inculcate responsible and sensitive attitude in the practices of such chauvinistic reporters.
 

NCSW Organized National Consultation on Gender Equality Policy Post 18thAmendment

The National Commission on the Status of Women, together with Oxfam UK and UKaid organized a national consultation on Gender Equality Policy in the Provinces; Women’s Rights post 18th Amendment in Islamabad on 29th March 2011.

The idea behind this meeting was derived from a consultation process initiated by the NCSW over the past year. This process resulted in a study that looked at discriminatory and flawed policies in the Pakistani context. The study is called A New Policy Framework for Women’s Equal Rights. The purpose of the National Consultation was to share the study findings and provide all the provincial representatives with policy guidelines. It is hoped that as a first step, such information on gender equality policies would equip the provinces with information and allow them to develop their own province-specific ones in the light of the 18th amendment and devolution.

The Secretary Interprovincial Coordination Committee on 18th Amendment, Mr. Zahid on behalf of Mr Raza Rabbani Chairman Inter Provincial Coordination and Minister for Human Rights, gave an overview of the structure and mechanisms of the amendment. He gave a comprehensive insight into the constitutional fundamental rights that would remain with the Federal legislative list while others will be devolved. He also spoke about the various phases of devolution and explained that while women’s ministry has not been enlisted in the first phase of devolution but eventually it will be decided. He also made it clear that international commitments will go through planning and development division and ministry of foreign affairs.

Anis Haroon, Chairperson of NCSW introduced the scope of the study and this was followed by a presentation on the thematic concerns which included from security of life, labour, health and violence as well as democratization and Gender Response Budgets by author of the study, Afiya Zia.

The consultation was well represented by provincial ministers, secretaries, NCSW members, MoWD and provincial commission of KPK. Anis Haroon raised the concern of clarifying the fate of women legislation that hangs in limbo unless the responsibility of policy and law making is confirmed in the post 18th amendment period. She particularly mentioned Domestic Violence Bill, which lapsed after the senate did not take it up within given time and its fate is still unknown. She urged the national as well as provincial legislators to expedite the process of legislation and pass all the pending bills. Ms.Anis Haroon outlined the objectives of the consultation and expressed hope that the daylong consultation will culminate in a concrete action plan which will further be pursued by NCSW at the provincial levels. It was clarified by the secretary inter provincial coordination division that all new legislation specific to women’s issues will fall within the purview of the provincial governments.

This is a valuable contribution by the NCSW because it is a local document and drafted in the light of Pakistan’s specific gendered issues and policy requirements. Provincial working groups made a plan of action and this is just the beginning as NCSW will now carry these consultations at provincial levels.

NCSW deplores the tragic assassination of Federal Minister for Religious Minorities Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti

Once again the voice of sanity has been silenced for speaking out boldly for justice and the rights of vulnerable people in Pakistan. The NCSW deplores the tragic and cold blooded assassination of Federal Minister for Religious Minorities Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, who was struggling to promote peace and interfaith harmony in society.
This sheer act of terrorism was designed to instill fear in the public. The clerics, who inflame emotion and incite violence by issuing poisonous fatwas and statements, are equally guilty of these heinous crimes against humanity. Mosques instead of being used to promote peace and learning are being used to spread anarchy.  It is regrettable that no action has been taken against those who spread hatred and promote violence.The NCSW condemns perpetrators of such criminal actions and the impunity with which the extremists continue to operate.  The Commission calls upon the government to take concrete measures to improve the security in the country and devise an appropriate strategy to firmly deal with such elements so that the rule of law is established.  In this situation the religious minorities, who have been assured equal citizenship rights by religion, the Constitution of the country and by the founder of Pakistan, Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, are feeling so insecure and vulnerable.Furthermore, we call upon the media not to give disproportionate coverage to those who have played a major role in sowing the seeds hatred and dissent and providing a fertile environment for obscurantist forces. The media is urged to re-channelise its energies and resources towards promoting tolerance, peace and harmony encouraging rational thinking in the society.
The NCSW expresses its heartfelt condolence to his family and the entire Christian community and assure them that we equally share the grief at this tragic loss.  May his soul rest on in eternal peace.

National Commission on Status of Women meets Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani

Members of the National Commission on the Status of women led by Chairperson Ms. Anis Haroon, met the Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, and apprised him of the difficulties being faced by the Commission.

Ms. Anis Haroon said that since 2003 the NCSW had been trying to institute amendments in the NCSW Ordinance in order to make it an autonomous body, so that the Commission can perform its responsibilities as per its mandate and as is the case for such Commission around the world. But in spite of its best efforts and clear directives from the Prime Minister and the political commitment of PPP government that the NCSW should be given full financial and administrative autonomy; bureaucratic hurdles are still holding up implementation. The Prime Minister instructed the concerned officials to ensure that the amendments should be implemented before International Women’s Day on 8 March.

The Commission presented the Annual Report to the Prime Minister and highlights of its recommendations, which included that the recent elections held in Shangla Kohistan when women had been prevented from voting, should be declared null and void; and that the recent judgment by the Federal Shariat Court that sought to undo the positive aspects of the Women’s Protection Act 2006 should be challenged by the government of Pakistan.

NCSW deplores blowing up of the only girls college in Orakzai Agency

The National Commission on the Status of Women strongly condemns the act of militant groups in Orakzai Agency, where they have blown up to ashes the only Girls College. With the destruction of girl’s schools and colleges in the region, the miscreants are creating new wave of fear into the lives of the people in the area. As a result the parents are compelled to withdraw their children especially girls from schools. This will result in girls being deprived of receiving education, which is the ultimate scheme of obscurantist forces.

The NCSW feels that depriving girls from getting education through such brutal and mean tactics is not only against the constitution of Pakistan but also against the basic teachings of Islamic jurisprudence.  This orthodox group believes that modern education is allegedly not in line with the Islamic scriptures, with female education being their main target. In Swat, the entire educational infrastructure was destroyed, nothing concert has been done by the government to restore and rebuild these schools. The government is urged to give utmost priority to women’s education in order to enable female population to have an equal and easy access to modern education.

The NCSW appeals to the government of Khyber Pukhtun Khuwa to take strong notice of such incidents and take appropriate steps to provide full security and safety to girl’s schools and colleges. The destruction of building should not be used as an excuse to keep the girls at bay, depriving them of receiving modern education. The government should provide alternate place for the continuation of girl’s education, till the building is restored.

BY-ELECTIONS IN SHANGLA

The National Commission on the Status of Women is appalled that women were yet again not allowed to vote in the by-polls held in Shangla.

As reported in the press, under an agreement between all contesting parties, women were barred from casting their votes. There were 14 polling stations specifically designated for women, but according, to Election Commission officials, not a single vote was cast there.

The District Returning Officer for these by-polls in his statement said that all arrangements were completed at all 14 polling stations and the polling staff was standing by, but not a single woman turned up to cast her vote. According to him, the Election Commission officials held talks with the local elders and the political parties’ representatives to convince them to allow the women to vote, but to no avail.

This practice has been going on for years, and it is time that firm action was taken, if democracy is to be strengthened in the country. Election results that reflect the will of only half the electorate cannot be considered free, fair and democratic. The results of the Shangla by-elections may have been different if women had been allowed to vote. It is extremely regrettable that though women have 17% representation in the assemblies, women in Shangla were not allowed to participate in this election.

The NCSW strongly condemns this blatant flouting of the law and demand that the Shangla by-polls be declared null and void.

According to The News dated of 30th Jan 2011, six persons contested the provincial assembly by-polls in Shangla.  ANP’s candidate was Mohammad Yar Khan supported by the ruling PPP. JUI (F) was represented by Maulana Rahat Huissain and Jamaat Islami by Mr Fida Mohammad.  Mohammad Rashid Khan of PML (Q) reportedly won the elections.

NCSW shocked and appalled at the horrific assassination of a liberal leader like Salman Taseer

The National Commission on the Status of Women condemns the horrific and tragic assassination of Governor Punjab Mr.Salman Taseer, who possessed very liberal and progressive mind. This is a great loss not just to his family but to the entire struggle and movement against retrogressive forces to build peaceful, tolerant and just society. In his death, Pakistan has been deprived of a liberal, educated and courageous leader. The NCSW offers heartfelt condolence to his grieved stricken family and pray to Allah Almighty that his soul may rest in eternal peace.

When most of the political leaders backed down in the face of blackmailing by religious zealots, he stood his ground. His assassination must be seen as a blatant crime and cold blooded murder. The issue must not be defused by a religious or political smokes screen.

His murderers should be expeditiously tried and convicted. Those inciting crimes in the name of religion must equally be held responsible.  We expect the media to play a responsible role and not to allow ‘itself’ to be used for inciting violence.
 

Nasreen Azhar, Member, National Commission on the Status of Women, gets Human Rights Defender award

Nasreen Azhar, Member, Pakistan National Commission on the Status of Women, was awarded a Human Rights Defender award by the President of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, at the President House in Islamabad. She was among the 130 men and women nominated by the Ministry of Human Rights from across the country in recognition for their services in the field of human rights. Senior labour leaders, who have spent a lifetime struggling for the rights of workers were prominent among the award recipients. Nasreen Azhar has been an activist for womens rights and human rights for many years and is now a member of the Executive Committee of the NCSW. The award giving ceremony, held to commemorate 10th December, Human Rights Day, was attended by a large number of social activists, political workers, diplomats and media personnel.

NCSW Applauds the Historical Victory of Pakistani Women’s Cricket Team

The National Commission on the Status of Women expresses its heartfelt appreciation over the emphatic victory of Women’s Cricket Team of Pakistan which has created history by winning gold medal in the first-ever Asian Games women’s cricket tournament. The win comes as welcome relief at a time for Pakistan when the Nation has been confronting the issues of lawlessness, post floods, poverty, injustice, inflation for the past many years.

 The Commission considers it a precious Eid Gift to the people ofPakistan. The entire Nation is excited and happy and is proud of them. This victory will further build the morale of Pakistani women and will help the women’s game grow in Pakistan. The girls have proved that if fought with calmness of mind, good spirit, passionate efforts and hard work, the women can conquer and excel in any field of life. Women in Pakistan are very strong and talented, if they are encouraged to be involved in sports, they can make it this far.

 The NCSW praises Ms. Bushra Aitzaz Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Women Wing Chairperson for providing her committed and visionary leadership thus inculcating the discipline and fighting spirit in the team which ultimately paved the way for this glorious victory. The NCSW urges concerned authorities to provide all out logistical and technical support and cooperation with PCB Women’s Wing to improve women’s cricket in Pakistan.

NCSW condemns Death Sentence to Alleged Christian Woman in Nankana Sahib

The National Commission on the Status of Women is shocked that a court in Nankana Sahib has sentenced a Christian woman, Asia Bibi, to death on the charge of having committed “blasphemy.” Asia Bibi, who is the mother of five children, is the latest victim of the pernicious Blasphemy Laws that in their present form were promulgated arbitrarily by a military dictator more than twenty years ago. Since then the Laws, which have little to do with religion, have proved to be a powerful weapon in the hands of unscrupulous people and religious extremists for persecuting innocent citizens and settling scores. Persons charged under these laws, whether innocent or guilty, are rendered extremely vulnerable, and at least ten people have been killed, in some cases even when ostensibly under the safe custody of the State.

National Commission on the Status of Women strongly condemns the death sentence passed by an additional session court in Nankana Sahib, for the alleged commitment of blasphemy by Asia Masih. The death sentence was passed following the judicial process on a FIR, registered on June 19, 2009, under sections 295-B and C of the Pakistan Penal Code. Both sections state punishment by life imprisonment or capital punishment. Asia has also been decreed a hundred thousand rupees as fine. Though an illiterate, she has been accused of denying the institution of prophet-hood, citing copious examples from the key texts of Islam.

The matter has been investigated thoroughly by the National Commission on the Status of Women and has come across some startling facts, clearly highlighting gross irregularities in the judicial process, clearly highlighting the need for reform in the legal injunctions.  The clear dichotomy in the case is the “denial of prophet-hood”. How could you expect a Christian to conform to the Islamic creed? How could you expect an absolutely illiterate person to cite Islamic textual and exegetical references, one upon another to deny the institution of prophet-hood?

The false allegation, which is rooted in a personal vendetta by a mighty landlord, who exploited a number of discriminating elements in the village, Chak 3 of Nankana Sahib, to settle his personal score against the poor victim, should be immediately reversed. Furthermore, there is a dire need to repeal the section 295 B and C, which are ubiquitously being used by the discriminating elements of the society to vent their personal grudge in the matters of feuds against the minorities. These two sections have been constantly giving the image of our society as non-tolerant. In order to transform this society into an open, tolerant, multi-cultural and pluralist one, we need to immediately take sincere actions in this regard.   

The NCSW demands that Asia Bibi, who has already spent a year in solitary confinement, should be immediately released and provided protection; and the Blasphemy Laws, which are violative of all norms of justice and have only served to strengthen extremism in society, should be repealed.

NCSW Protests on the orders of DCO Lahore to Ban Women Vendors at Sunday Bazaars

The National Commission on the Status of Women felt outraged at the orders issued by DCO Lahore Mr. Ahad Cheema, banning women vendors from selling their products at Sunday Bazaars. The Commission termed it gross violation of fundamental human rights where a marginalized group of women is targeted and is being denied the opportunity to earn respectable livings for themselves and their families at large.

The NCSW would like to remind the concerned DCO, of the international commitments rectified by Govt of Pakistan to promote gender equality and empowerment of women in Pakistan. In this back drop, the present government has practical shown its commitment toward the emancipation of women and redemption of equal status for women in society by bringing in necessary legislation where the women are given guaranteed protection by the law of the land in any sphere of public life.  The action taken by DCO is complete negation of the commitments of present government towards the cause of women’s empowerment at all the levels.

The integrity of any nation or society is gauged through yardstick of the way it treats its women. Women are a very important section of our society. Without their unhindered participation in all spheres of public life, no nation can move towards its anticipated goals of economic, political and moral progress and aspire to earn a respectable place in the comity of nations.

The NCSW stresses upon the DCO Lahore to cancel this inhuman order and immediately lift the ban so as to enable these poor women to sell their commodities and earn honorable livelihoods for themselves.  At the same time, the Commission also urges Provincial Minister for Women’s Development and Minorities Mr.Kamran Michael to take urgent notice of this issue and talk with relevant agencies and departments to resolve it without any further delay

NCSW expressed concern over the growing cases of violence against women in Sindh

The chairperson NCSW Ms.Anis Haroon had a detailed meeting with the Minister of Women Development Sindh Ms. Touqir Fatima Bhutto and  Ms.Farida Hanan of Aurat Foundation in MoWD secretariat Karachi on 8th November at 2.P.M.

The chairperson explained the process of Domestic Violence Bill under 18th amendments. She asked the minister to pass a resolution authorizing the National Assembly to make a law to protect women from domestic violence. The minister agreed and expressed her intention to present it in the coming session. The NCSW will draft the resolution.

In the meeting, the chairperson NCSW expressed concern over the growing cases of violence against women in Sindh. One such case in point was of Naveeda  Kalhoro of Naushehro Feroz. The minister gave the details and assured the chairperson that she is trying level best to provide justice to the victim.

In such cases the real issue is always non-availability of required facilities to the victims. The police is unsympathetic and medico-legal facilities are scarce. Even in the case of Naveeda, the medical examination was conducted after 3-days and as usual the doctors could not find any evidence to support her case.

The chairperson asked the minister to move towards the affective redressal mechanisms and call a meeting of relevant authorities and NGO’s to set up one-window services for wrap victim. The chairperson also felt pity for covering this issue under the carpet by certain group with wasted interest thus proclaiming it tribal dispute. She said, in any dispute or fight, the sword should not fall upon women and particularly minor girls. The tribal disputes shall not be resolved at the cost of life and dignity of women and girls in that vicinity.
 

NCSW strongly condemns the cowardly assassination of Dr. Muhammad Farooq Khan

The National Commission on the Status of Women strongly condemns the cowardly assassination of Dr. Muhammad Farooq Khan.

The cold blooded murder of Dr. Farooq, psychiatrist, religious scholar and Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Swat, has caused grief and anguish across the country. Dr. Farooq was a mild mannered and humane person who unflinchingly supported the rights of women and religious minorities, and spoke out boldly against extremism and violence. His vision of a moderate Islam reflected the true spirit of the faith and represented the values that the vast majority in this country adheres to.

Dr. Farooq’s murder is regrettably the latest in a series of target killings in the country of those who stand up against barbarity and ignorance. Such crimes against humanity continue to be perpetrated because criminals have been allowed to operate with impunity. Flawed legislation, such as the Qisas and Diyat Law, permit criminals to buy or threaten their way out of being punished for their crimes. The seeming inability of the law and justice system to apprehend and punish criminals allows perpetrators to act with impunity without fear of punishment.

The Commission and expresses its sincere sympathies to Dr. Farooq’s family and hopes that serious efforts will be made to apprehend his murderers and bring them to justice. Immediate and urgent measures need to be taken to strengthen and reform the criminal justice system so that the rule of law can be restored and citizens can live in peace in and security.

NCSW extremely saddened and shocked by the punishment sentenced to Dr. Afia Siddiqi Dated: 24th Sept. 2010

The National Commission on the Status of Women is extremely saddened and shocked by the sentence pronounced by the US Federal Court in Manhattan against Dr. Afia Siddiqi.

The Commission is of the opinion that the manner in which the entire case was handled and the trial conducted is a gross violation of international human rights norms. It is a matter of deep regret and concerns that international covenants and agreements adopted by consensus by the nations of the world are being seriously undermined by States that purport to uphold women’s human rights and human rights.

There has been strong suspicion throughout that Dr Afia Siddiqi was severely tortured. Has any inquiry been conducted, or has anyone been answerable for these violations? Has anyone been taken to task for the inhuman manner in which political prisoners in Guantanamo Bay have and are being held?

States and governments have an obligation to uphold the Geneva Conventions and adhere to agreed human rights standards. While the violence and barbarity perpetrated by non-State actors is to be condemned the excessive violence and brutality unleashed on the world in the name of the “war on terror” by responsible States is equally, if not more, reprehensible.

The National Commission on the Status of Women, Pakistan demands that Aafia Siddiqi’s appeal against the judgment should be tried in a neutral court or she should be sent back to her home country where law can take its due course.

Condolence Message sad demise of first ever a Woman Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan Dr.Shama Khalid

The National Commission on the Status of Women felt grieved over the untimely and sudden demise of first ever woman governor Gilgit-Baltistan Dr.Shama Khalid. The NCSW offers heartfelt condolence to her family and the government of Gilgit-Baltitstan over this loss. The NCSW believes in her death, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan lost a devoted and sincere leader and also her death is considered a great loss to the women’s cause at large.

May Allah rest her soul in eternal peace and give her family and associates, the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

NCSW Condemns an attack on a lady doctor in Khyber-Pukhtunkhuwa

The National Commission on the Status of Women strongly condemns the attack on Dr.Gulali in Khyber Pukhtunkhuwa and terms it a deplorable and cowardly act. The Commission believes that this attack not aimed at an individual; rather it was meant to discourage and eliminate women who are performing duties in public sector. The attack underscores the scale of the militant threat to progressive, secular and moderate forces especially women in Pakistan. The socially aware women who are rendering valuable social services are willfully being targeted.
The NCSW demands from the government that it should not let the terrorists play with the lives of progressive forces in the country and should devise a comprehensive strategy to check such elements. The National Commission on the Status of Women also demands from the provincial authorities to initiate an investigation and inquiry into the incident and make all-out efforts to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to books.

National Policy Dialogue on Womens Political Participation

The National Commission on the Status of Women organized a National Policy Dialogue on the Political Participation of Women under PPO 2002 and LG System. Representatives from media, civil society, lawyers and women parliamentarians attended the event.
Participants of a national policy dialogue on political participation of women have called for 50 per cent representation of women in political parties at every level including general body, central executive committee and Parliamentary boards.
They said that the parties not having such representation should not be registered. The demand was made in a national policy dialogue titled “Political Participation of Women under PPO 2002 and in Local Government System”, organised by National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW). A large number of women political leaders, civil society members, legal experts and government officials participated in the dialogue.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Women Affairs Yasmeen Rehman was the chief guest on the occasion. The participants demanded ban on influencing the political process on religious basis, as has been done in Bangladesh and criticized Election Commission for having negligible representation of women within its ranks. They demanded 20 per cent women representation in ministers and advisor slots and said that women should be given expense to run election campaign.
Some participants were of the view that political parties should be made bound to give a certain percentage of strong seats to women in general elections and there should be constituencies reserved for women where only women candidates will be allowed to contest. They suggested that parties should be asked to form lists of women candidates that can fill any reserved seat that becomes vacant on resignation of any candidate.
They cited the case of PML-N MPA Shumaila Rana in this regard and informed the participants that her seat has never been filled after her resignation. The dialogue was part of the NCSWs effort to look deep into the issues concerning women empowerment.
Recently, the commission conducted two research studies on the impact of the local bodies system on women and the gender review of political framework of womens political participation. The man findings of the research findings were that all the political parties together with “Jirga” heads and representatives of other parallel legal systems keep women at bay from the political processes in the country.
To disseminate the research findings and as well as to take women parliamentarians and representatives of civil society onboard for the recommendations on how to enhance womens political participation, the NCSW organized four provincial dialogues in provincial capitals.
The national dialogue was the culmination of provincial dialogues and was also organized to share the recommendations with different stakeholders to enhance the spectrum of the policy review to make it more authentic. The dialogue started with a comprehensive review of the proposed recommendations presented by Dr Rukhshanda Naz.
The participants endorsed majority of the recommendations in totality whereas few suggestion regarding some additions also came up during the discussion. She said that the existing law declares the capturing of polling stations and polling agents that prevent voters from voting as crime, but it is silent on the use of various means employed to achieve the same goal such as life threats etc on loud speaker announcements, wall chalking and above all the political agreement among political parties or contesting candidates to hinder their women voters from voting. She recommended that the existing law should clearly consider the use of other means to harass women voters as a crime.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Women Affairs, Ms. Yasmeen Rehman, as chief guest on the occasion, said that women wings in the parties needed to be strengthened. She said that a meeting will soon be arranged with the Election Commission to resolve all the issues regarding electoral process. Ms. Yasmeen Rehman said that for political empowerment of women, it is vital to inculcate all these recommendation in the political process. She said that she will take these recommendations to the ECP in personal capacity. She said that the presence of large number of women in the National and Provincial Assemblies is the evidence of the success of womens movement in Pakistan. "In many other countries including India, the process of bringing women in the Parliament through reserved seats is still in the pipeline," she added. About provision of development funds, Ms. Yasmeen Rehman said no complaints was yet received from any of their party member while some MPAs from Punjab have complained that they were not provided development funds.

The NCSW welcomes government’s step to sign the convention on civil and political rights. NCSW hopes that implementation of this act will go a long

At the same time it urges the government to take into account the ground realities in the country where women are the victim of all kinds of violence for years. They are being denied rights to education, rights to food, and rights to freedom of expression. Domestic violence against (including torture, beating, shaving, amputation, murder attempts) cases have been shoot up. The government should enforce a new law to deal with domestic violence.
Acids throwing have become norm of the day for women in Pakistan. Culprits go unpunished and conviction rate for this heinous crime is very low. Insensitivity of the police, the importance given by the judiciary to minor contradictions and lapses in the prosecution's statements cause the offender's easy escape from conviction.
There is a gross violation of women’s right to life, right to physical and social safety/security, right to marital choice. The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan clearly gives equal fundamental rights to all citizens of the state, which can be applied and asserted in the area of marriage and family.
 Pakistan has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1996, still women continue to be commoditized-bartered for land or money, given as swara (compensation for murder/dispute settlement) or watta satta, women are abused, raped or murdered by close relatives. ‘Honor’ killing was once an unusual custom but has more recently evolved into a common practice in which men kill sisters, daughters, or other female family members to avenge dishonor.
 We strongly urge the Government of Pakistan to assume its full responsibility and to take immediate and comprehensive action to end all these violations and discriminations and promote and protect Women’s human rights at all the level. The representation of women in assemblies shall be brought at par with men, presently it is not even 33%. Pakistani Citizenship Act discriminatory against women, it negates gender equality,  that also needs to be amended as soon as possible so that a woman’s foreign husband could get Pakistani citizenship, like foreign women married to Pakistani men.

National Commission on the Status of Women takes on the issue of Home Based Workers

Three fourth of women workers in Pakistan are engaged in home based work, where they get low wages and are vulnerable to abuse of all forms, says the Chairperson of the Commission, Anis Haroon, in the opening speech of a Consultation on the Social Protection of Home Based Women Workers. This consultation was organized at the Commission office for developing key aspects of legislation for the protection of HBW.
 
This session was chaired by Ms.Shehnaz Wazir Ali, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Social Sector and was concluded by Ms Yasmeen Rehman, Advisor to the PM on Women’s development. It was attended by civil society organizations that have been working on these issues. The heavy representations for all provinces which included Ministers of Women’s Development from Baluchistan and Sindh and senior officials from Punjab and AJK. Nafeesa Shah, secretary of the Women’s Causus also appreciated the initiative of the NCSW and assured her support in the future.
 
Shehnaz Wazir Ali, while reiterating the Government’s commitment to women’s rights and social protection said that the government would like to build on the base work of civil society and other stake holders done so far. The Government would like to take it forward by involving all related Ministries and institutions so that women who are working at such extreme levels of poverty do get support. She also said , the organized labor has easy access to the decision making and work related benefits but it is the informal workers that have no voice. Now the time has come, that their voices should guide the policy formulation and legislation. She quoted the example of Bangladesh women workers, where they have formally organized themselves in the government sector through cooperatives and workers communes.
 
Bushra Khaliq and Aqsa Khan from a network Karkun, made a presentation on the current situation of the HBW and outlined the proposed features of a legislation on this marginalized sector of the society. The discussion was moderated by Dr Fouzia Saeed where all stakeholders made their suggestions.
 
Yasmeen Rehman, while stating the way forward said that the Ministry of Women is committed to take this draft legislation forward after getting views and inputs from all the stakeholders. She also committed to review the policy document on HBW that is with the Ministry and has assured to expedite this work on both fronts. Shehnaz
 
Wazir Ali asked a network called HOMENET to be the focal point for the taking inputs and finalization of the draft policy to be submitted to the government while she asked KARKUN, a network for the rights of Home based women workers to follow up with the stakeholders and take their inputs for the draft legislation to take it forward with the relevant Government institutions. .
 

NCSW remains committed to supporting a legislative reform in view of women’s rights. In this regards it takes on discriminatory laws and propose amendments. In this case they have identified a gap in the legislation and provided the forum to facilitate all stakeholders to come to an agreement on the nature of legislation for this vulnerable group.

NCSW OUTRAGES ON RISING NUMBER OF CASES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN BY POLICE

The National Commission on the Status of Women is outraged at the rising number of cases where police is involved in violence against women. One after the other we are seeing cases where the police officials who are supposed to protect the citizens are violating not only the police laws and Procedures but also the law of the land.
In recent case of a young school girl from Taxila who was kept in illegal confinement for more than 15 days, highlights the abuse of power and criminal activity of the police. We also note that it took the police over two months just to register an FIR against their fellow policemen, only after public uproar. Such cases also indicate a subculture within the police force that accepts and hides such violations.
The Commission strongly demands strict action against those who violate the police code and the laws of this country. Exemplary punishments should be given to such policemen.
We acknowledge that there are law abiding policemen and those who are committed to clean out this law enforcing agency; however there is still a number of senior police officials providing protection to such incidents. This trend needs to be stopped and the focus should be changed to providing justice for the citizen.
The Commission has observed that it is not only in Punjab but in the whole country where such abuse of authority by the police is witnessed. We are also concerned about the political patronage to the criminals and unchecked police powers, which is encouraging them to undertake such heinous crimes. These legislators are bound by the constitution to uphold the law of the country and to protect the lives and the dignity of the citizens. There should be accountability of such politicians.
The Commission demands immediate accountability of the policemen involved in all such cases.
Anis Haroon
Chairperson, National Commission of the Status of Women

NCSW Condemns the Brutal Murder of Women Professor in Baluchistan

The National Commission on the status of Women in its 40th BoD meeting strongly condemned the murder of Nazma Talib, Associate Professor at University of Balochistan. It expressed its strong concern on the continuing incidents of target killing which had earlier also lost the life of a husband of NCSW member from Balochistan.
The NCSW appalled at the impunity with which the perpetrators of these heinous crimes go scot free and demands that the criminals be apprehended and security should be provided to all people of all sects including minorities. Vengeance against innocent citizens is not the way of resolving political conflicts.

NCSW Organised Roundtable Consultation on compliance of “Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010”

Prime Minister’s Advisor on women development Ms.Yasmeen Rehaman MNA has said that the passage of Laws against harassment of women at workplace and at public spots is a reflection of Government’s strong commitment towards the cause of women development. She was addressing the roundtable conference on the implementation of “Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010”organized by National Commission on the Status of Women in Islamabad today on 22nd April, 2010.
Ms.Yasmen Rehman assured the participants that the government has the same level of commitment for the implementation of these laws as it had for their enactment. She said the federal government will also hold discussions with the provincial governments early next month for the implementation of these laws at the provincial as well as at the district level. Ms.Yasmeen Rehaman said that enactment of laws against women’s harassment is a testament of the present governments political will towards the well being of Pakistani women. She said it was Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s dream which we have fulfilled today.  She expressed her appreciation of the business community for showing commitment towards implementation of the Code of Conduct on Harassment of Women within their own organizations.
Earlier the chief guest and chairman Federal Board of Revenue/Secretary revenue Division Mr.Sohail Ahmed said the law will ensure provision of safe workplace for the women who want to work. He said Pakistan lacks behind in education and health compared to the countries which have the same per capita income and most of the problems being faced by our country are related to the lower status of women in our society. He said, change, though slow, is a welcome step. He said Federal Board of Revenue has a very very strong presence of women even at the senior most level and we are circulating the code of conduct for implementation at the Federal Board of Revenue as well as all its units.
The federal Secretary Women development, Ms.Batool Iqbal Qureshi, said her ministry has taken a number of steps to ensure that women get conducive working environment in all its offices. She said ministry is also reaching out to the provinces for implementation of the law at that level.
Member of the NCSW, Dr.Fouzia Saeed, explained the salient features of the new law. She said it was incumbent on all the public and private sector organizations and departments to implement the law in letter and spirit by adopting the code of conduct given in the law and by establishing enquiry committees.
The representative of various public and private sector organizations shared their views and the steps they have taken to implement the law within their respective departments and oraganisations.
Earlier Ms.Nasreen Azhar member NCSW welcomed the participants and spelled out the purpose of holding this event.

The roundtable consultation on “Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010”was largely attended by representatives of government, ministries, divisions, departments, autonomous bodies, chambers of commerce and industry, major public sector organizations and civil society and media

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN ORGANIZES A ROUND TABLE CONSULTATION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ‘PROTECTION AGAINST HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT

NCSW is pleased that the Government has passed a Law which upholds the dignity of women and men employees in every workplace and protects their right to work in a safe, healthy and respectful environment. This law makes it necessary for every organization, government, private or civil society, to adopt a Code of Conduct and set up an inquiry Committee to address all complaints around sexual harassment.

NCSW is organizing a round table consultation of key stakeholders on 22nd April, 2010 from 10:30AM to 12:30 at KEHKASHAN HALL Holiday Inn Hotel Islamabad.

The objective is to discuss the implementation steps needed to be taken for effective implementation of this law. Inputs and suggestions from the key stakeholders are important to chalk out a plan for step by step implementation and monitoring of this process. The Forum is for the key senior officials from the public and private sector. Other related officials, media professionals and civil society representatives can sit in the audience and benefit from the discussion.
Sexual harassment is a common problem at workplace. However, managements can develop professional mechanisms to deal with the problem and maintain a work environment which is dignified. We have attached the Code of Conduct prescribed by the law. It has been written in simple language covering all the necessary sections of the law. It is ready to be included in the Human Resource (HR) policies of any company.

The Code of Conduct can be downloaded by clicking here or from www.ncsw.gov.pk/code_of_conduct.doc or www.AASHA.org.pk in English and Urdu.

Condolence Message on sad demise of Late Naheeda Mehboob Elahi

The commission was deeply grieved on an untimely and sad demise of Late Naheeda Mehboob Elahi on February 17 2010. In her death our society in general and NCSW in particular lost the person of greatest accomplishment. She was the previous deputy attorney general of Pakistan.  She has been associated with commission in the capacity of legal research consultant. The commission extends its heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends and Pray to Almighty Allah to rest her soul in eternal peace.

Pakistan reaffirms commitment to empowerment of women at UN forum

UNITED NATIONS, March 4 (APP): Pakistan’s democratic government has taken a number of legislative and economic initiatives to ensure empowerment of women and protection of their rights, Ms Anis Haroon, Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women, said.
 
Pakistan draws inspiration for gender equality and empowerment of women from the vision of its founding father Quad-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah who emphasized women’s role in development of the country, she said.
Ms Haroon informed the 54th session of Commision on the Status of Women here that the elected government in Pakistan is moving forward the vision as articulated by former prime minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for women empowerment under a four-pronged strategy.
The strategy aims at reducing feminization of poverty, promoting gender equality, ending violence against women and introducing necessary legislative structure to empower women, she stated.

Ms Haroon particularly cited the recent legislative moves by the democratically elected government including adoption of laws to protect the rights of women. These include the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2009 and Protection against Harassment at Workplace Bill 2009 while the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act is under consideration. “These legislative measures have been undertaken with the involvement of all stakeholders including the civil society organizations,” she said and appreciated the support extended by the vibrant women’s movement in Pakistan. Among other initiatives taken for economic empowerment of women, the Benazir Income Support Programme is an innovative scheme, which provides cash grants to female head of a poor household, she added.
“This improves the decision-making role of the female head of the family and allows her to spend that cash grant on a priority laid down byher.” Another initiative is a Programme for the grant of State Land to poor women tenant farmers in the rural areas, chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women said.  Acknowledging that adult functional literacy for women particularly in rural areas contribute substantially to empowerment of women, the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) has helped gained functional literacy to over 2 million women in rural areas.
Pakistan’s Gender Parity Index for adult literacy has increased in the last six years, she said. Besides, the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and Medium Term Budgetary Framework have incorporated various gender-sensitive amendments, Ms Haroon stated.
The Ministry of Women Development’s “Gender Reform Action Plan (GRAP)” is aimed at undertaking a coherent gender reform agenda through phased implementation processes, including political participation, institutional restructuring, women employment in the public sector, and gender responsive policy and budgeting. Ms Haroon informed the Commission that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal rights for all its citizens without any discrimination on the basis of cast, colour, sex, or race. It further ensures full participation of women in all spheres of national life. Women have gained increased role in every sphere of life in Pakistan. Women of Pakistan are now working in Civil Service, Foreign Service, Police and Military services.
“Pakistan has the honour of electing Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as the first woman Prime Minister of the Muslim world. Today, we proudly have the first woman Speaker of the National Assembly in South Asia, 17 women Senators (17% out of 100-member Upper House) and 76 women parliamentarians (22.5% out of 338 members of Lower House).”
The National Commission on Status of Women in Pakistan was established in year 2000, to examine the relevance and efficacy of all laws, policies, programmes and measures for women empowerment and gender equality. The process to make the Commission fully autonomous is underway.  The Commission on the Status of Women this year is undertaking the fifteen-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly.

National Commission on the Status of Women Hails the Government for Getting Two Historic Bills against Harassment Passed

The National Commission on the Status of Women has highly appreciated governments efforts at all levels to get two bills against harassment passed within this week, one from the Senate and the other from the National Assembly. The Chair of the Commission, Anis Haroon said that this is a historic moment for the women of Pakistan and the Commission congratulates the Government as well as the whole Parliament for lending such vocal support to the Bills.”


Two aspects that the Commission mentioned in specific were the support and push from the most senior levels of PPP, which included the President and the Prime Minister, who publically as well as strategically supported the Bills at every step. Secondly, the consensus building efforts in both the houses, which resulted in all the major parties supporting these Bills in high spirit. In the Senate though the religious parties, JUI and JI did not support the bill as it is and spoke openly against it, all the other parties supported it with full vigour and made speeches to ensure that their parties were fully backing the concept as well as the legislation. This in itself is a great achievement because a law proves its affectivity in its implementation and when all big parties are behind it the implementation will be made easier.


Misbah Momin, a member of the Commission said that she was most impressed by the way the Prime Minister and the President supported this issue and helped build the consensus on this legislation, she particularly thanked Mrs. Fouzia Gillani who supported genuinely all the way till the bills were passed by both the houses. She also appreciated that the openness of the discussion in both houses cleared several doubts that some people had in their minds. Fouzia Saeed also a member of the Commission and a part of the network that was technically supporting this process said that the provinces need to assert themselves and take on this issue as a challenge. She mentioned that the implementation needs to be on the ground and all parties, the government machinery and the people need to take on the responsibility to enact the legislation in real life.
The Commission acknowledged the role of Women’s Caucus in bringing together women of all the parties. Nasreen Azhar, a senior member of the Commission said that it is a pleasure to see the women from all parties supporting women related legislation. She also appreciated the role of the Caucus and the honorable speaker in grooming the women leaders to highlight women’s issues.


The National Commission on the Status of Women is an autonomous Government body with the objective of keeping an eye on the way women’s issues are being addressed by various institutions. In addition it also suggests, develops and proposes progressive and innovative legislation and policy ideas. The Commission has senior members representing all regions of the country and has shown high interest in crimes against women including extremism and ways to handle them.

SEMINAR ON “VIOLENCE IN THE NAME OF RELIGION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON WOMEN.”

National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) organized a seminar on 09 December 2009 at the Hill View Hotel Islamabad on the theme of “Violence in the name of religion and its implications on women.” The seminar had been organized in connection with the commemoration of 16 days of activisms against gender based violence. The speakers included Ms. Sherry Rehman, Member National Assebmly; Dr. Khalid Masood, Chairman Islamic ideology Council; Mr. I.A.Rehman, Director Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Ms. Hina Jilani, Director AGHS, Dr. Fouzia Saeed Executive Member NCSW and Ms. Anis Haroon Chairperson NCSW. A large number of people belonging to different walks of life participated in the seminar.

The speakers focused their talks around the flaws and ambiguities in Blasphemy Law and how this law is undermining the rights of minority citizens in Pakistan. On the occasion one of the speakers said that this law has been enacted by some ill minded people with malicious intentions to malign and marginalise the poor minorities of the country. This law has been badly abused and it is being used to settle personal disputes instead of guarding basic ethics of religion. It was enacted in the process of islamisation of Pakistan to please a particular segment of society who had political motives behind formulation of this law to legitimize their school of thought under the cloak of Islam. The intention of introducing the Blasphemy law was to curb dissent and dissention and it is being used to commit the outrageous acts against other minority religions. They termed it unconstitutional and contrary to the principles of Islam. They said since this law has been used for malicious prosecution and it has not only made non Muslims more vulnerable, but has also affected the Muslim women in particular. The minorities are feeling insecure because it does not define the offence in particular and its vague definitions have led to the brutal assassination of the innocent Christian people and as well as Muslims themselves. It has created an atmosphere of intolerance and has completely destroyed peace and harmony of

Pakistani society and it has brutalised the whole society.

The speakers expressed their absolute commitment to further strengthen their efforts to educate opinion makers, policy makers and the masses about malpractice of this law. To achieve the goal alliance building will be made with civil society organisations, law making and enforcing agencies, print and electronic media.

Seminar on Forced Marriages by National Commission on the status of Women in collaboration with Shirkat Gah women’s resource centre

National commission on the status of women and SHIRKATGAH organized a seminar on “Forced Marriages” to commemorate the 16 days of activism against gender violence on 2nd December, 2009 at Pearl Continental, Lahore. The seminar brought together nearly 290 participants which included members of civil society, members of NGO’s, Parliamentarians, women’s rights activists, Scholars and teachers.

The panelists of the seminar consisted of Justic Retd Nasira Iqbal, Ms. Rani Shamim Akhter, Dr.Saman Yazdani, Professor Izhar-ul-Haq, and Ms. Farida Shaheed

NCSW’s Misbah Momin member BoD, NCSW said in her welcome address that a woman should be respected for her many roles in society. She thanked the government for supporting women’s development, quoting slain Benazir Bhutto’s works that she would like to be remembered for her work as regard to women. Misbah Momin in her address requested the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to support the NCSW to become an autonomous body. She also highlighted the works being carried out by NCSW and the one’s under process. She mentioned the passing of Domestic Violence Bill in the parliament and parts of the Sexual Harassment Bill. She emphasized on the cases of “Swati Flogging” and “Phool Nagar” and insisted on the need for women to work with unity and harmony, regardless of their different roles in society, as women are the root cause of progress. She said that NCSW is working on Child Restraint Marriage Act-1929.

Dr. Saman Yazdani Khan, Regional Director SG said that women were usually denied their due status in society. Though women health indicators are better today than the past, women mortality rate is still high, and they have not become entirely independent, she said. They have a low status in society, have no role in decision-making and the girl child is discriminated against since the time of her detection in the womb, she said.

Rani Shamim Akhtar from Nankana Sahib recited some of her poetry regarding women and the treatment meted out to them.

The Chief Guest at the occasion, Justice Nasira Iqbal, said women were treated a part of property and in fact treated worse than animals. In all fields what-so-ever, women’s representation should at least be around 30 to 33%, said Justice Nasira. She added that the media should not portray women as objects of pleasure alone and that a woman should exercise her legal rights. She said that women in Pakistan were supposed to mould to “Chaddar and Char Diwari”; they cannot decide how many children to bear, and even are forced to marry against their will.

Professor Izhar-ul-Haq spoke on women’s rights in the light of the Holy Quran and Hadith that men and women are equal in Islam and this theory needs to be propagated more than ever today. Women have an individualistic existence in Islam and even have complete freedom to choose whom they want to marry.

Farida Shaheed, discussed the issue of customs versus rights of women, saying that violence against women was a problem of society and that society should take care of this menace.
“Women are denied their rights by way of religion and culturally,” she said. “Ours is a patriarchal society but violence against women should not be tolerated in any form. Women are perhaps not seen as a complete individual in our part of the world and are not even allowed to stand up and ask for their rights. Breaking the silence and speaking out is necessary for a change to come into effect,” said Ms. Shaheed rounding up the discussion.
 

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN HAILS THE GOVERNMENT’S BILL AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The National Assembly passed an amendment in Pakistani Penal Code to include sexual harassment as a crime. This Criminal Procedures (Amendment) Act 2009 was passed unanimously by the National Assembly where each party expressed their strong support to the Bill. National Commission on the Status of Women hails this progress made by the Government. It appreciates the commitment of all the political parties to make our society a more dignified place. The Chairperson of the Commission, Anis Haroon said that “This kind of legislation will certainly give more confidence to the women and send a strong message that the widespread sexual harassment at all places in our society will not be tolerated any more.” She also said that the Government should get the second Bill, which focuses on the Formal Sector passed also and we all expect it to go through in the same way, with full support of all political parties soon.”
Sexual harassment of women is one of the most common problems faced by women. It is a major challenge in their mobility outside home and accessing opportunities for livelihoods. Pakistani women need to move forward in life. Their religion and culture both allow them to do so however the ground reality continues to make the social environment hostile and intimidating for them. This Bill when passed by the Senate will be a significant step towards making the public and private environment more safe for them. It is important that implementation mechanisms and accountability systems are firm. Legislation is usually one important part of the solution. Society’s mindset and support from media on this issue will make a positive difference.
The NCSW has also acknowledged the role of the Women’s Caucus which is chaired by the speaker, and has given more voice to the women in the National Assembly. The Commission expects that the National Assembly will become a role model for the society where men and women representatives of the masses will interact with dignity and respect for each other.

Islamabad: 29 October: National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has condemned the dastardly bomb attack on Peshawar Bazars in which close to

Expressing deep sympathies with the victims’ families and solidarity with the people of Peshawar and the Provincial government the NCSW has assured them that they are not alone in their hour of grief and the whole nation stood by them.

In a press release the Commission has said that perverted vision of the militants who seek to push women into virtual slavery will never triumph. Their attempts to grab power and impose their myopic doctrine on the country have been rejected time and again by the nation and their attempts to achieve their goals by use of force will also fail.
According to representatives of the shopkeepers’ association threats had been received from militants demanding that women be stopped from going to the market. That the blast occurred in front of the Meena Bazaar and Koochi Bazaar, which are generally frequented by women, suggest that women shoppers were the main target. A short while ago, girl students were attacked in the International Islamic University and several were killed.
The Commission said that there seems to be nothing that is sacred for the militants. Children, parents, students, tribal elders, jirgas, funerals and mosques—all have been mercilessly targeted with no concern for the number children orphaned and families destroyed. The law enforcement agencies have been particularly attacked in a bid to create anarchy in the country.

National Commission on the Status of Women takes strong notice of the Phool Nagar’s Incident and Urges the Chief Minister Punjab to take prompt acti

Islamabad: 20 Oct. While strongly condemning the Phool Nagar incident the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has urged the Punjab Chief Minister to take prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
In her letter to the Chief Minister Punjab, Ms Anis Haroon, Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women has urged the Chief Minister to personally look into the matter and take prompt action to ensure that the Justice is done with intimation to the NCSW. The NCSW Chairperson has demanded that:
i)                    The young daughter Asma, who was abducted by Rana Hayat must be recovered immediately;
ii)                  The pre-arrest bail of the perpetrators must be cancelled and they must be apprehended.
iii)                Strong measures must be taken against those who instigate mobs to take the law in to their own hands.
In the horrendous incident in Phool Nagar District, Kasur three women were dragged out of their house by a mob led by the former TMA chairman Rana Hayat and his associates. They disrobed and humiliated the women and forcibly paraded them naked for two hours in the village streets in the presence of hundreds of people.
The police instituted cases against the victim women instead of the main offenders. Consequently the Chief Justice of the Punjab High Court took Sue motto action of the incident and ordered the police authority to withdraw the case against the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
At present the offenders are out on pre-arrest bail, but they have abducted victim Shahnaz’s 13 year old daughter Asma, and pressurising her to withdraw the property dispute case as she had already lodged an FIR against Rana Hayat

1st September 2009: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has rejected as misplaced the reservations expressed by the Council of Islam

A major cause of divorce is domestic violence, which is endemic in Pakistan, and, it is hoped, that giving women means of redress will serve to decrease violence and abuse. Family problems, including divorces, occur because of violence against women and not because a solution is being sought,’ the Commission observed in a statement released on Tuesday.
The Commission stressed that the divorce rate was bound to go down, if men were to stop beating their wives.
The CII’s concern that old and weak men can also suffer violence in a domestic situation has been addressed by the bill, but it needs to be recognised that largely the women were the victims of such crimes.

The CII had recently expressed fears that the bill would push the divorce rate up in the country, generating a new controversy over the bill that had largely been welcomed by civil society.
The NCSW said although controversial new appointments had been made in the CII, there were expectations that it would continue to have a women-friendly attitude and the progressive and educated mindset that it has demonstrated in the recent past.  

‘Distorted religious interpretations and discriminatory cultural practices have stopped women from gaining an equal status in society and contributing effectively to their family’s happiness and prosperity and in the country’s development. The nation must now rid itself of human rights violations, such as domestic violence, child abuse and violent cultural practices’, it said.
The Commission, while appreciating the adoption of the bill by the National Assembly, recommended that the clause relating to the punishment of six months’ imprisonment and 50,000 rupees fine, for the victim, in case she was lying, should be removed.  
‘Every law can be abused and there is already a punishment on the books for perjury, but the Commission fears that this clause will serve as deterrence for women who may wish to report violence.

'We are very well aware that women already have a hard time reporting against their own family members, and of the stigma that is attached to domestic violence. Whether a complaint is false or true should be left to the judge to assess on the merit of the case, and the punishment clause should be removed, as it is bound to be abused and used as a threat by the accused against the victim’.

The NCSW termed the passage of the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill terming it beginning of a positive change where some deterrence has been spelt out by the state, and women are offered the opportunity to seek protection from violent and abusive husbands or relatives.
While there is a need for other legislation around the issue, as the problem is both complex and deep rooted, the bill will assure women that there is protection against such crimes, and will also give a clear message to the abuser that violence against women is not a private matter but a crime, and will not be condoned.

19th August , 2009: Terming ‘Nizam-e-Adl’ an anti-women that tends to exclude women from the administration of judicial system, a resolution passe

This was the consensus reached at the concluding session of a two-day conference on ‘Extremism and its Impact on Society: Implications for Women’ organised by the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW). A large number of women’s rights and human rights activists, NCSW representatives from all over the country and prominent female parliamentarians attended the event.

The conference was aimed at analysing different dimensions of religious extremism and its impact on women. Women rights activists from all over the country expressed their opinions through speeches urging the government to take concrete steps to eliminate extremism from the social mindset through education. The resolution states that there can be no justice unless women, men and other genders are recognised as equal citizens, irrespective of their religion, sect, profession, age, gender and any other social or cultural differences. The document also demands religion to be separated from the state and declared a private matter. “Anybody inciting mob violence against any group, especially women and minority, should be declared a crime and such criminals be tried in court without any delay,” it says adding that women among the internally displaced persons (IDPs) should be recognised, as equal partners in the making, implementation and monitoring of rehabilitation plans.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Social Affairs Shehnaz Wazir Ali said that retreat of extremist militants from their strongholds due to military operation and upsurge of public opinion against them was a window of opportunity for government and civil society. “Bringing those areas in the mainstream of development is going to be a slow process,” she said while stressing the need to utilise funds coming for development and reconstruction of these areas appropriately and adequately. She said that poverty could be one of the reasons for extremism, but it was actually the misuse and misinterpretation of religion that takes society towards extremism. “The ideological battle is more acute and difficult to fight with,” she said. Shehnaz also called for thinking beyond sewing machines and said more emphasis be put on micro financing process and infrastructure while planning for women empowerment. “Ministry of Finance has called a meeting in this regard.”

Member National Assembly from ANP and Chairperson National Standing Committee on Women Development Bushra Gohar asked the government to form an independent commission to look into the superficial justifications of military operation in Malakand that led to IDPs crisis.

Terming Islamabad responsible for constant crisis in NWFP, she said Pakhtuns were always used as cannon fodder whereas decisions leading to such situations were taken in the centre.

She demanded that civilians not the army should supervise rehabilitation and reconstruction process in Swat and adjoining areas. Last day’s proceedings also included an impressive dance performance ‘Imprisoned Princess’ by Sheema Kirmani in which she reflected the frustration of a strong woman, who aspires to be free from discriminatory social system. Ending her dance performance over a positive note, she displayed a documentary directed by her and Anwar Hussain Jani that depicted the expectations associated with the new generation.