The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) is set to launch a nationwide offensive against gender-based violence, unveiling a comprehensive campaign that includes drafting recommendations for constitutional amendments to better protect women’s inheritance rights.
The decision was made during the 7th meeting of the WPC’s Working Council on Thursday at Parliament House, chaired by the caucus’s Secretary, Dr. Shahida Rehmani, MNA. The assembly of lawmakers outlined a robust series of initiatives as part of the upcoming ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.’
The multi-pronged strategy includes a significant digital campaign aimed at elevating public awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and women’s legal protections across social media. Additionally, the WPC will convene a Roundtable of Parliamentarians, civil society groups, and legal experts to scrutinize GBV prevention methods and identify gaps in existing legislation and its enforcement.
A key focus of the initiative will be on economic empowerment through regional seminars centered on strengthening women’s inheritance rights. This effort will culminate in the drafting of proposals for constitutional changes designed to ensure gender-sensitive laws are not only passed but also effectively implemented.
Dr. Shahida Rehmani stressed the cross-party nature of the WPC’s mission to advance gender equality. ‘It is imperative that our laws not only exist on paper but are effectively implemented,’ she stated, reaffirming the caucus’s dedication. ‘Through awareness, legislative reform and oversight, the WPC will work to translate promises into progress.’
The high-level meeting was attended by National Assembly Members Ms. Farrukh Khan, Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb, Ms. Rana Ansar, Ms. Munazza Hassan, and Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, alongside Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, the Convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights.
Concluding the session, the Working Council resolved to bolster coordination with provincial legislatures and civil society partners, ensuring broad, inclusive participation to maximize the national campaign’s impact.