Workshop in Peshawar Stresses Women’s Role in Policy and Decision-Making

Peshawar (Staff Reporter) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women organized a one-day departmental orientation workshop in Peshawar under the theme “Gender Parity Report 2025: From Evidence to Action.” The workshop was attended by heads and senior officials of various provincial government departments. The objective of the workshop was to highlight the key findings of the Gender Parity Report 2025 and to translate the proposed recommendations into practical steps for enhancing women’s participation, equal opportunities, protection, and role in decision-making across the province. Speaking on the occasion, the Commission’s Program Director, Amna Durrani, briefed the participants that despite progress, women continue to face significant challenges in the sectors of economy, education, health, and political representation. She added that in line with the directives of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Commission would provide technical support to provincial departments to integrate gender parity requirements into their policies and strategies. The workshop was attended by representatives from the Social Welfare, Housing, Administration, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Foundation, Irrigation, Law and Human Rights, Population Welfare, and Health Departments. Addressing the participants, Commission Secretary Ms. Tabassum stressed that evidence-based policymaking and a clear action plan are essential to accelerate gender equality within provincial institutions. During group discussions, participants identified existing gender gaps within their respective departments and proposed practical recommendations for implementation over the next 90 days, one year, and three years. The workshop concluded with the decision that the Commission will provide technical assistance to provincial departments for the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat’s action plan on gender parity, ensuring that the development process aligns with the vision of a gender-inclusive and accelerated progress in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.