Wendy Gilmore who is the Canadian representative to Pakistan has announced that Canada has launched programmes to empower women that can help Pakistan achieve gender equality. This will be done by including all civil society groups in making important decisions which is then vital for economic growth and development.
A PR was released that said that Gilmore spoke at the Club de Madrid about inclusive development roadmap in Pakistan under the ‘Shared Societies Project’ while a virtual session was held by Aurat Foundationon with the civil society. She further added that the Canadian government is focusing on inclusivity to support civil society in Pakistan so women in particular will be empowered with the help of these programs.
The virtual session held was aimed to share the ways to promote consensus between the state and CSOs on the need to execute the sustainable development goals and the best international and national practices and to highlight the strategies for inclusive development.
The former Prime Minister of Canada and Club de Madrid member, Ms Kim Campbell said that “inclusion should be at the heart of decision-making.”
Director of programmes, Aurat Foundation, Ms Mumtaz Mughal emphasized “on the importance to mainstream the principles of equality and non-discrimination throughout all the 17 sustainable development goals.”
Executive Director of Working Women Organization, Ms Aima Mehmood stressed the need of the hour that is to have unions and worker’s organization participate in the social and economic inclusion of the labourer in sustainable groups activley. She declared that “without a deep commitment to inclusive development, the SDGs run the risk of not directing the substantive transformation needed to achieve strong, sustainable development.”
Transgender Activist, Ms Jannat Ali discussed how transgenders are denied both equity and equality in Pakistan. “The law for transgender rights must be implemented, and Trans people should be included in this as well as in elections, planning, decision making and given economic opportunities and a platform through which they can end the communication gap.”
CEO ‘National Forum of Women’ with disability, Ms Abia Akram emphasized “the need to work with local governments and line ministries to include issues faced by women with disabilities in all policies and legislation to ensure required reasonable accommodations and reduce systemic barriers.”
Other the speakers, there were at least 80 other representatives who attended the virtual session who were from various civil society organizations, vulnerable groups, youth, academia, and minority rights activists from across Pakistan.
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