Islamabad, September 10, 2024 – The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) held its fourth General Assembly meeting today, where members condemned the use of violence and intimidation against women, including parliamentarians, media personnel, and civil society activists. The WPC passed a resolution strongly denouncing the recent incidents of violence and harassment, and called for immediate action to ensure the safety and security of women.
Dr. Syeda Shahida Rehmani, Secretary of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, stated, “We stand united against violence and intimidation, and demand concrete measures to protect women’s rights and empowerment. We will continue to work towards a safer and more equitable society for all women.”
The meeting was attended by honorable members of the WPC, including the Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), who briefed the assembly on the program’s progress and achievements. The BISP, launched in 2008, provides financial assistance to low-income families, with a focus on empowering women.
The WPC members appreciated the efforts of the BISP and called for a comprehensive decision to further enhance the program’s effectiveness. They also emphasized the need for increased funding and support to ensure the program’s sustainability.
In addition to the BISP briefing, the WPC members discussed various issues related to women’s empowerment, including education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. They also expressed concern over the recent incidents of violence against women and called for collective action to address this critical issue.
The WPC passed the following resolution:
- Condemns the use of violence and intimidation against women, including parliamentarians, media personnel, and civil society activists.
- Demands immediate action from the government to ensure the safety and security of women.
- Calls for concrete measures to prevent incidents of violence and harassment against women.
- Supports the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and demands increased funding and support for its sustainability.
- Emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies and programs to empower women and address their socio-economic challenges.
The WPC will continue to work towards implementing the resolution and ensuring the safety and security of women. The caucus will also collaborate with relevant stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of the BISP and other programs aimed at empowering women.
