PESHAWAR: Mashal Azam Yousafzai, the Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Social Welfare and Women’s Development, unveiled plans for the establishment of a dedicated 24/7 helpline aimed at preventing domestic violence against women.
Speaking at the 22nd Inter-Provincial Ministerial Group meeting, Yousafzai reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting women, including gender discrimination, domestic abuse, and early marriage.
The proposed helpline is envisioned as a crucial resource for women in distress, providing immediate support, guidance, and intervention services. Yousafzai underscored her advocacy for women’s empowerment and pledged to champion initiatives that promote gender equality and protect women’s rights. Emphasizing the importance of legislative measures, she announced forthcoming legislation targeting issues such as child marriage and domestic violence, aimed at bolstering legal safeguards for women across the province.
Yousafzai also provided updates on the KP Commission on Status of Women, indicating imminent appointments to key leadership positions within the commission. The meeting, attended by notable figures including Chairperson National Commission on Status of Women Nilofar Bakhtiar and Provincial Ombudsman for Anti-Harassment Rukhshanda Naz, culminated in the adoption of a unanimous resolution.
The resolution articulated pressing demands for enhanced women’s representation in federal and provincial cabinets, the establishment of separate ministries dedicated to women’s affairs, and the expeditious appointment of chairpersons for the Commission on Status of Women in various provinces. Additionally, it called for the prompt implementation of the Child Marriage Bill and the formation of Parliamentary Women’s Caucuses in Provincial Assemblies.
The proactive stance taken by the KP government, as evidenced by the proposed helpline and legislative initiatives, reflects a concerted effort to address systemic inequalities and safeguard the rights and well-being of women. Through collaborative endeavors involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners, KP aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society where women can thrive free from violence and discrimination.
