Law Ministry And UN Women Hold Consultation On Strengthening�Implementation Of Pro-Women Laws In GB

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GILGIT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Dec, 2022 ) :Ministry of Law and Justice and UN Women Pakistan here on Thursday organized a�one-day consultation on the issues and challenges in the implementation of pro-women laws in�Gilgit Baltistan. The aim of the consultation was to develop an agenda and roadmaps for�implementation of pro- women law in the GB region. � Parliamentary Secretary Law and Justice, Ms. Mehnaz Akbar Aziz in her opening address said,�"Although Pakistan has established a good legal framework for women through a number of�pro-women legislation yet the conviction rates remain low. The main challenge faced by�the women and girls across Pakistan is access to justice. But through legislative measures,�knowledge sharing, capacity building and continuous advocacy, we can overcome these�challenges." The meeting was apprised that during last two quarters of 2022, UN Women's team has�conducted a series of provincial consultations to develop legislative agenda and roadmaps for�implementation of pro-women laws at provincial level in KP, Balochistan, Sindh and Punjab. � UN Women's portfolio Manager EVAW, Saman Ahsan highlighted the organizational�commitments and programmes for strengthening institutions, improving response mechanisms,�and facilitating survivors and victims of gender-based violence.

She said, "Despite many�women focused legislations in place, yet Pakistan continues to rank low in gender index on�account of weak implementation mechanisms at institutional level. She stressed upon the need�for collective efforts with relevant shareholders in addressing the gaps in implementation of�pro women laws." She also emphasised on the importance of engaging men and boys in the�process of bringing empowerment for women and curbing harmful practices.

Former Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Hafiz Hafeez Ur Rehman highlighted the struggle�of women of Gilgit Baltistan and explained different initiatives by the government of GB. He ��said, "Unless a woman is not treated equally by the with male counterparts at all levels, the�struggle to attain equality would continue." �Coordinator to Chief Minister GB on policy Yasir Abbas, Secretary of WDD, Social�Welfare, Human Rights, Child Rights, and Youth and Population GB Mr. Raja Rashid Ali�Khan and Secretary of Law and Prosecution Department �Mr. Rahim Gul also spoke at the�occasion. In addition, relevant stakeholders from executive branches of the government�including police, medico-legal, media, and education were also present and shared their�perspectives and challenges in implementation of these laws.