ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) on Tuesday hosted a national conference on women with disabilities as part of its series, “The Next Horizon”.

The event brought together speakers from across Pakistan to chart a progressive path for the empowerment of women with disabilities. In her opening remarks, chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar underscored the pressing need to address the 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 the 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 support for the empowerment of differently-abled women in the country and called for societal reforms to foster inclusivity and equality.

Federal Secretary for Law and Justice, Raja Naeem Akbar, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all citizens. Federal Secretary for Education, Mohyuddin Wani, expressed his resolve to craft inclusive education policies. Federal Secretary for Human Rights, Allah Dino Khawaja, announced the forthcoming launch of the Integrated Social Welfare System, an 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.

The conference featured dynamic group discussions focused on four pivotal areas including 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. It also included discussions on healthcare policies - developing and enforcing healthcare policies tailored to the unique needs of women with disabilities. Speakers also deliberated over Public-Private Partnerships: Creating apprenticeship programs and strengthening the capacity of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) practitioners to support survivors with disabilities.

The conference marked an important step forward in the ongoing efforts to empower women with disabilities in Pakistan, reflecting NCSW’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2024