News Desk
Faisalabad: March 09, 2025
In a powerful gathering on International Women’s Day, panelists and activists urged the government to implement stronger legal protections for women’s rights. They highlighted the urgent need for legal reforms, policy enforcement, and increased resources to combat gender-based discrimination and violence.
The seminar, organized by the Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) in collaboration with Tearfund Global, brought together over 120 participants, including government officials, former parliamentarians, sanitation and domestic workers, lawyers, lecturers, researchers, out-of-school female youth, and religious leaders.
Panelists emphasized the importance of adopting recommendations from the UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). They called for raising the legal marriage age to 18 for both sexes, mandating marriage registration with national identity cards, and ensuring compliance with international human rights standards. The role of the media in educating the public about gender equality, legal protections, and available support services was also stressed.
Among the keynote speakers were Shazia George (Chairperson, AWAM), Sonia Javed (Executive Director, AWAM), Jamshed Gill (Representative, Tearfund Global), Fatima Saeed (Lecturer, Beaconhouse International College), Dr. Najma Afzal (Former Parliamentarian), Rida Sandhu (Journalist), Iqra Amjad (Women with Disability Advocate), and Muqadas Billu (Research Student).
Adding to the discourse, Akmal Bhatti, Chairman of Minorities Alliance Pakistan, stated that gender equality is a fundamental right and that authorities must ensure its full implementation. “The principle of equality dictates that women are entitled to the same rights, status, and opportunities as men. It is the duty of the ruling authorities to protect and implement these rights,” he said.
Bhatti reaffirmed Minorities Alliance Pakistan’s commitment to advocating for women’s rights through peaceful and democratic means. He highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to support victims of domestic violence, forced labor, and forced conversions by providing free legal assistance. The Women’s Conference of Minorities Alliance Pakistan also welcomed discussions and participation to mark International Women’s Day, underscoring the importance of collective action in achieving gender justice.
While acknowledging past legislative efforts, the panelists called for a more inclusive governance framework that addresses the challenges faced by marginalized women. They emphasized that real progress can only be achieved through sustained advocacy, legal protections, and policy implementation that safeguard women’s rights in all aspects of life.