Islamabad, Pakistan – The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) proudly hosted a groundbreaking national conference on women with disabilities as part of its esteemed series, “The Next Horizon”. This significant event convened experts from across Pakistan to chart a progressive path forward for the empowerment of women with disabilities.
In her opening remarks, Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar underscored the pressing need to address the unique challenges faced by differently abled women in Pakistan. She highlighted the critical importance of making public spaces universally accessible and ensuring comprehensive support in health and education sectors.
Latika Maskey Pradhan, Deputy Representative of UNFPA, lauded NCSW’s efforts and reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to empowering all women in Pakistan, advocating for a healthier and more inclusive society.
Senator Mahesh Kumar, the chief guest of the inaugural session, pledged his unwavering support for the empowerment of differently abled women in Pakistan. He emphasized the need for societal reforms to foster inclusivity and equality.
Federal Secretary for Law and Justice, Raja Naeem Akbar, reiterated the ministry’s dedication to providing equal opportunities for all citizens. Federal Secretary for Education, Mohyuddin Wani, expressed his commitment to crafting inclusive education policies. The Federal Secretary for Human Rights, Allah Dino Khawaja, announced the forthcoming launch of the Integrated Social Welfare System, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide comprehensive support to persons with disabilities. This innovative system will be interconnected with all relevant authorities, ensuring seamless assistance and empowerment at the highest level.
The conference featured dynamic group discussions focused on four pivotal areas:
Legal Framework and Protection, Accessibility and Inclusive Services, Education and Employment Opportunities, Combating Gender Violence and Support
Key recommendations from the conference included:
Inclusive Infrastructure: Implementing legislative measures to ensure accessible transport and public infrastructure.
Healthcare Policies: Developing and enforcing healthcare policies tailored to the unique needs of women with disabilities.
Public-Private Partnerships: Creating apprenticeship programs and strengthening the capacity of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) practitioners to support survivors with disabilities.
This conference marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to empower women with disabilities in Pakistan, reflecting NCSW’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society.
