ISLAMABAD: “Without reliable gender data and effective implementation, women will continue to remain invisible in policy frameworks and development planning,” said Ume Laila Azhar, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW).
She was speaking at the latest episode of Freedom Gate Dialogues organized by Freedom Gate Prosperity (FGP) in Islamabad conducted by renowned anchorperson Mahnoor Qureshi.
Ms. Azhar emphasized that data-driven policymaking is essential to ensure that women’s social and economic realities are accurately represented in national and provincial development agendas. She noted that while Pakistan has made progress in gender legislation, significant gaps remain in implementation, coordination, and evidence-based planning.
“Bridging data gaps means making women’s work, challenges, and contributions visible — only then can public investment and institutional focus follow,” she said.
The discussion also covered NCSW’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen gender mainstreaming across government policies and to promote women’s economic empowerment, legal protection, and participation in decision-making. Ms. Azhar highlighted that NCSW is working to enhance cooperation with provincial commissions, ministries, and civil society partners to ensure stronger policy alignment and accountability mechanisms.
Welcoming the guest, Muhammad Anwar, CEO of FGP, earlier reiterated that promoting women’s economic and social inclusion lies at the heart of FGP’s mission. He said, “Women’s empowerment is not only a matter of fairness but also of national resilience. Without their active participation in economic, social, and environmental spheres, sustainable development will remain incomplete.”
The dialogue underscored the shared understanding that gender-responsive data, cross-sectoral coordination, and inclusive policymaking are key to translating commitments into real impact. Both NCSW and FGP expressed their intent to strengthen collaboration on initiatives promoting women’s economic empowerment, leadership development, and climate resilience across Pakistan.
Comments are closed.