Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) has finalized the draft of Women Empowerment Policy 2026-2030 that would be submitted to provincial cabinet for approval.
The draft was finalized in meeting that was chaired by Chairperson Dr. Samira Shams. The meeting was also attended by Technical Committee members including Ayesha Bano, Member Local Government Committee; Ikramullah Khan, Board Member KPCSW; Shazia Atta, Secretary Women Commission; Syeda Nudrat from the Social Welfare Department; Zainab Khan, Head of UN Women KP with other relevant stakeholders and representatives.
During the meeting, a detailed presentation on the draft Women Empowerment Policy (2026-30) was delivered followed by extensive discussion. Members shared their views and recommendations on various aspects of the policy, including its objectives, implementation mechanisms, and institutional roles, aimed at strengthening women’s social, economic and political participation across the province.
The committee was informed that the proposed policy is fully aligned with the constitution of Pakistan as well as other policies currently enforced at the provincial level. It was emphasized that the implementation of the policy would significantly reduce gender-based discrimination against women of all age groups, facilitate access to justice and enhance coordination among relevant institutions.
Discussions were also held on safeguarding women’s inheritance rights in line with existing laws. Furthermore, proposals were presented to ensure women’s representation within the provincial cabinet setup, local government bodies, budgeting processes, consultative forums, standing committees and planning mechanisms.
The meeting highlighted that the policy aims to improve women’s access to public services, protect women’s rights, and promote economic empowerment. The short-term, mid-term and long-term outcomes of the policy are expected to play a pivotal role in improving the overall welfare and empowerment of women in KP.
It was further shared that following approval by technical committee, the policy will be vetted by relevant departments and subsequently presented to the provincial cabinet. Upon approval, it will be officially launched on International Women’s Day.