NCSW conference calls for new policies to support women’s education in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), in collaboration with UNICEF and the British Council, held a national conference titled ‘Education for Every Woman and Girl’ in Islamabad.

The event was a pivotal initiative under NCSW’s National Women’s Agenda – ‘The Next Horizon’, aimed at addressing educational disparities faced by women and girls in Pakistan, in line with the government of Pakistan’s “education emergency” declaration.

NCSW Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar called to action, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive and equitable education.

Ministry of Education Secretary Mohyuddin Wani reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the educational landscape for women and girls in Pakistan.

UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Dr Inoussa Kabore and British Council Country Director James Hampson stressed the importance of international collaboration in overcoming educational barriers. UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya and other guests shared their insights on advancing educational opportunities for women and girls.

Film artist Hamza Ali Abbasi pledged to continue his role as an ambassador for women’s education in Pakistan.

The conference was attended by representatives from provincial ministries, highlighting the collective resolve to tackle regional educational challenges and support the empowerment of women and girls.

The conference featured working group sessions on four critical themes: ‘addressing barriers to girls’ enrollment and retention,’ ‘creating safe and inclusive schools for girls,’ ‘expanding adult literacy opportunities for women,’ and ‘advancing women in teaching and educational leadership.’

The conference recommended establishing the first women’s university in Gilgit-Baltistan; expanding the Benazir Taleemi Wazifa programme; implementing menstrual hygiene management programmes; enforcing the five-year curriculum review mandated by the National Education Policy 2017-2025; initiating targeted professional development programmes and adopting a zero-tolerance policy for corporal punishment.