Peshawar, March 08: IUCNP Sarhad Programme organized a seminar to commemorate International Women Day in collaboration with Social Welfare and Women Development Department (WDD), Govt. of NWFP at the Agricultural Training Institute, Peshawar. Women Parliamentarians, academician, member of various civil society organizations and Govt. departments attended this event. Mr. Kashif Azam, minister for Population & Women Development, was the chief guest on the occasion. Secretary, Social Welfare and WDD also attended the seminar. A presentation on the National Plan of Action, proposed actions & recommendations was delivered referring to a study conducted under SPCS under the title ‘Gender Commitments & Policy Option for Affirmative Actions’. While highlighting the background of NPA, it was pointed out that it puts together the strategic objectives and actions of the

Govt. of Pakistan to implement the Beijing platform for Action. The NPA also aims to facilitate women’s participation in all spheres of life besides ensuring protection of women’s rights within the family and the society.

Mr. Kashif Azam, provincial minister for Population Welfare & WDD, appreciated the joint efforts of IUCNP Sarhad Programme and WDD. He said that the Govt. of NWFP is consciously working on girls’ education and there is a need to create awareness among people about women rights. He further said that laws are present but they need implementation. He asked the Secretary to advertise the gender specialist positions instead of keeping it internal to government departments. He endorsed the implementation of NPA and informed the participants that Gender Reforms Action Plan (GRAP) has been presented to the provincial cabinet and it will be implemented as soon as it is approved. He also announced that demand for separate WDD has been accepted by the cabinet and it will commence operations soon.