“I think WAF’s major achievement has been in mainstreaming women’s issues; be it violence in all its forms, democracy, education, health care or anything else. They have pressed forward with these issues to such an extent that political parties now have to acknowledge their presence. We have also played a role in establishing institutions, such as the Ministry of Women, the Commission on the Status of Women, contributing to policy and instituting laws that favour women. The women’s movement has been part of the country’s democratic struggle.

“Women, in the broader context, have never been part of the extremist agenda. Even during the time of Maulana Fazlullah, and “Mullah Radio”, the Swati women who initially backed him eventually withdrew, when they realised what his agenda was.

“Most of all, women need economic freedom and control over their own financial resources in order to be empowered. That is where their position needs to be strengthened to enable them to attain their full human potential.”

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...