PAKISTAN: Prime Minister Says Women Parliamentarians Can Become Catalyst for Change

For sustainable solution to existing security situation faced by the country due to ongoing conflict at western borders, it is vital to involve women at all levels of reconciliation and rehabilitation process.

The consensus was reached at the first national convention on ‘Role of Women Parliamentarians in Peace, Security and Reconciliation' organised by Women Parliamentarian Caucus (WPC) here on Monday. The speakers at the convention said that women are the direct victims of this crisis and special measures are required to get them back to their normal lives.

In a unique gesture of across party lines unity, female parliamentarians from all major political parties gathered here at the convention to discuss the role of women parliamentarians they can play in ensuring peace and security in the region. They called for collaborative efforts to bring positive change in the lives of Pakistani women.

Held under stringent security measures, the convention was attended by women parliamentarians representing national and provincial assemblies, members of parliament from Saarc countries, senior government officials, representatives of key ministries. Some prominent faces of civil society also attended the event. Officials from National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), diplomatic community, women right activists, heads of United Nations and other donor agencies and some prominent faces of civil society organisation were also present on the occasion.

The two-day convention is aimed at strengthening the role of women parliamentarians in the on-going geo-political situation and creating a community of women leaders across party lines. The convention is also meant to raise strong and united voice for peace and stability in the region in addition to creating a network of women Parliamentarians with the common agenda of women empowerment and participation at all levels of decision-making.

The convention includes interactive sessions on the situation of women in general with particular focus on the impact of conflict situation on women and the role women parliamentarians for mitigating the situation. To make the nation stand strongly against the present economic and security challenges, they said that the role of women as healer and the force that prompt conscience of a nation is very important.

Every interactive session also included an expert on gender issues regarding the particular topic. The topics discussed on the first day included Women and Conflict Resolution, Women and Security and Effect of Conflict on Women-Plight of Internally Displaced Women.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani termed the convention as watershed in the parliamentary history of Pakistan and said that by working across party lines, women parliamentarians can become catalyst for change that will ultimately not just benefit the women of Pakistan, but their children, fathers, husbands and brothers. “I am heartened by the fact that women parliamentarians have also decided to be part of this struggle, which we will win.”

The PM said that Pakistan is in the midst of fight against extremism. “The people and the armed forces are valiantly rendering sacrifices to save the country from the clutches of forces that want to move the country backward, not forward.” He said that tension in the region is not helping any country rather diverting precious resources to non-developmental sectors.

He said that the majority of parliamentarians have shown their commitment to gender equality in all spheres of life. “The government believes in women's empowerment to ensure equal rights through economic, social, legal and political measures.” He said, “Many countries including our own have shown that when women become a central part of the political decision making process, there is a greater chance for positive social change and sustainable peace.”

He urged the participants to recall the legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. “The presence of the high percentage of women legislators in our assemblies today is a proof that we are translating Mohtarma's dream into reality.”

National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza said that people of Pakistan continue to suffer from the effects of instability caused by tension on country's western border. “Such a situation demands action for peace which will not only ensure end to the violence but also provides sustainable base for development and progress with special consideration for the vulnerable sections particularly women and children.

She said that women enjoy more than 22 per cent representation in the National Assembly and this numerical strength should translate into opportunity. “Research shows that this 22 per cent has conducted 60 per cent of the business in the house which shows that women mean business,” she pointed out.

In her welcome address, WPC General Secretary Nafisa Shah briefed the participants on the performance of WPC. She said that its women's ability to stand against all odds that make them indispensable part for any peace process. She said that reconciliation is the answer to all major problems.

UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Asma Jahangir assured all out support of civil society for this initiative but with a vigilant eye. Sharing examples from her international experiences, she said that women are better listeners and has shown superior conscience than men on many occasions. She said that peace is not the absence of war but is freedom from fear.

She urged the prime minister to implement the 10 per cent quota announced by the government in public sector in letter and spirit. She said that the time has come to share the pain of people living in conflict-ridden areas especially those in Balochistan.