By: Ahmed Shamsuir Rehman/ANI
ISLAMABAD — The 28th meeting of the Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming was held at Parliament House under the chairpersonship of Dr. Nafisa Shah, MNA, to review the legal framework, performance, functioning and challenges of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and Provincial Commissions on the Status of Women.
The Acting Chairperson of NCSW briefed the committee on the Commission’s mandate and functions, while the Chairpersons of Provincial Commissions shared their experiences, achievements and institutional challenges.
Dr. Nafisa Shah expressed serious concern over the continued delay in appointing the Chairpersons of NCSW and the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women, observing that prolonged vacancies affect institutional continuity and effective functioning.
The committee also raised concerns over staff shortages, vacant sanctioned posts, inadequate facilities, pensionary benefits and incentives for employees of women’s commissions.
Dr. Nafisa Shah emphasized that the effectiveness of NCSW should be measured by its tangible impact on women’s lives and called for a proactive, evidence-based and results-oriented approach to legislative review, policy monitoring and gender-responsive governance.
The committee recommended stronger coordination between NCSW and Provincial Commissions, improved research and data collection, effective complaint-handling mechanisms and measurable performance indicators.
It further recommended a comprehensive monitoring and follow-up mechanism for NCSW recommendations, including annual implementation reports to Parliament, as well as enhanced institutional, financial and human-resource capacity.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, Ms. Shahida Rehmani, Ms. Shahida Begum, Senator Saadia Abbassi, Senator Rubina Qaimkhani and Senator Khalida Ateeb, besides the Secretary Ministry of Human Rights, Acting Chairperson NCSW and senior ministry officials.
