Experts Call For Gender-Segregated Data, Inclusive Policies For Gender Parity

News Desk

Islamabad: Experts emphasised that Pakistan must ensure the availability of baseline gender-segregated data, allocate dedicated finances, and include women as key stakeholders in policy making in order to achieve gender parity and women empowerment.

Speaking at a session, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Executive Director Abid Qaiyum Suleri noted that current policies lack gendered data, making it difficult to formulate effective measures for women’s betterment. He further stressed that credible baseline data is essential for guiding policies and that the Planning Commission and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics must ensure its availability.

The session titled ‘Role of Policymakers in Expanding Roles of Women to Address Climate Change—Climate-related Risks and Uncertainties for Women and Young Girls ’, was held on the sidelines of the two-day ‘Regional Parliamentarians Conference on Gender Empowerment for a Green Economy ’.

Dr Suleri highlighted that women are disproportionately affected by climate catastrophes and man-made disasters which lead to the loss of livelihoods and opportunities for employment.

Executive Director also pointed out the need for increased investment in women ’s education to enhance their participation in decision-making, policy-making, and other sectors. He recommended reviewing the climate change gender action plan, which includes interventions for women’s capacity building and empowerment.

Egypt Member of Parliament Dr. AbdelHady El Kasaby discussed the dual challenges of gender inequality and the environmental crisis. He emphasised the need for effective participation and leadership by women and girls in environmental and disaster risk reduction policies.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, the UN Fund for Population Activities, Pathfinder, and other international NGOs.