Safeguarding women

Pakistan’s recent launch of its national gender strategy marks a pivotal step towards achieving lasting and transformative change for millions of girls aged between 10 and 19. This strategy, if effectively implemented across urban and rural areas, has the potential to drive significant progress, address inequalities and enhance the lives of all girls and women, including those living with disabilities.

The importance of striving for equal opportunities for all, particularly girls, cannot be overstated. Investing in girls not only fosters their personal development but also yields broader societal benefits. It has the potential to boost incomes, enhance productivity and contribute to the overall advancement of the nation. By empowering girls and investing in their leadership capabilities, we unlock their full potential and pave the way for a brighter future for all. However, the current reality for adolescent girls in Pakistan is characterised by numerous challenges across various domains, including education, health, nutrition and overall well-being. Shockingly, the prevalence of child brides in Pakistan stands at nearly 19 million. Additionally, alarming statistic reveal that 88% of adolescent girls live in poverty. There is indeed an urgent need to address systemic inequalities and create opportunities for socio-economic advancement.

In such a situation, it is imperative to recognise that millions of children, predominantly girls, face formidable challenges in their daily lives. Factors such as early marriage, poverty and deeply entrenched social norms often force girls to drop out of school, perpetuating cycles of inequality and hindering their potential for success. The national gender strategy presents a crucial opportunity to enact meaningful change and improve the lives of millions of girls across Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2024.

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