Speakers of an online session lauded the role of parliamentarians and NGOs are playing to ensure inclusive and participatory development for everyone, everywhere. The session titled "The Role of Parliamentarians in Ensuring Inclusive and Participatory Development in Pakistan", gathered wide ranging participants including 30 Members of the National and Provincial Assemblies' Parliamentary Taskforces on SDGs, as well as other eminent representatives, to exchange of ideas and good practices with the Former Prime Minister of Belgium and Club de Madrid Member, Yves Leterme, and Mr. Arnau Ramirez, Spanish Member of the Parliament.

The session was held under the aegis of Club de Madrid in partnership with the Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs, Aurat Foundation and Parliamentary Commission for Human Rights to find ways and means for supporting inclusive implementation of Agenda 2030 in Pakistan under the Shared Societies Project. The project aims to promote an inclusive approach to planning, implementation and monitoring of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Pakistan. The main objective of the project is to demonstrate that inclusion and participation of diverse social groups is key to effective implementation of the Agenda 2030/the Sustainable Development Goals in Pakistan.

Social inclusion, to leave no one behind, is a fundamental tenet of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – and it is the foundational aspiration of Club de Madrid's Shared Societies Project. Social inclusion is the foundation of Shared Societies – societies in which all individuals and identity groups have a common sense of belonging and responsibility, equal opportunities and a common bond to uphold the values of dignity and human rights. Club de Madrid's Shared Societies Project seeks to help United Nations Member States advance towards Shared Societies by adopting a holistic approach to the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030 – particularly Goal 16 to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies. For the past ten years, this Project has been successfully providing guidance and expertise on the integration of the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, focusing on the premise that all aspects of development are interrelated and interdependent.

With a socially diverse and constitutionally complex population of more than 207 million people (2017 census), Pakistan often faces political, economic and security challenges and has limited public financial resources to achieve Agenda 2030. The country is in dire need of a conversation on inter-group tensions, gender equality, the Sustainable Development Goals and, more recently, the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19.

The speakers said elected officials representing the voice of the people should ensure everyone member of the society is included in the development of national plans and policies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030.

The session shed light on the inclusion of marginalized and socially excluded groups in the planning, development and monitoring of national development plans aligned with Agenda 2030 in Pakistan. They underscore the importance of strong partnerships between state institutions, including parliaments, and civil society organizations representing vulnerable groups to achieve the 2030 Agenda objective of leaving no one behind.
The Speakers of the event included Mr. Yves Leterme, Member of Club de Madrid, Prime Minister of Belgium (2008, 2009-11), Mr. Arnau Ramirez Carner, Member of Spanish Parliament, Mr. Riaz Khan Fatyana, MNA & Convener National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs, MNAs Ms. Shandana Gulzar Khan, Dr. Nausheen Hamid, Ghazala Saifi, Nafisa Khattak, Shazia Sobia, MPA Talat Naqvi, Ayesha Nawaz, Ayesha Bano, Nusrat Abbasi, Sabrina Javed, Mr. Naeem Ahmed Mirza, Executive Director Aurat Foundation and Mr. Ali Imran, Senior Expert Club de Madrid.

The sudden emergence of a pandemic Covid-19 has further exposed the vulnerabilities of poor and vulnerable section of society in Pakistan. Even before pandemic, poor were specially suffering due to slowing down of the economy, rising inflation and loss of jobs for manual and physical labour making specially women headed families at high risk and suffering from multidimensional inequality of opportunities.

It appears that in the absence of any vaccine in the world, the virus will continue to damage world’s most populous countries and nations, it will melt down their economies, put their current level of development decades back and might introduce demographic imbalance in coming days. Social and political unrest, deteriorating law and order situation and health catastrophes as predicted by a UN report might also occur as spillover effect of the epidemic.
Aurat Foundation Peshawar office team played their philanthropy role on voluntary basis to protect the most affected vulnerable populations in order address the most pressing needs. These include social service organizations focused on supporting low-income households, small businesses, immigrants, refugees, older adults, people with disabilities, and other communities vulnerable to the physical health, mental health and economic impacts of the pandemic.

AF Peshawar office arranged funds from different sources (friends and family) and distributed food item packages among 350 women. Approximately 100 persons (80 women and 20 men) were supported with cash grant from 3000 to 26000 rupees. Small business was also established for two deserving persons to earn their livelihood. distributed the food items and cash.

Aurat Foundation JAZBA team focused following probes, exploring new set of information to mark interventions necessary for women’s well-being, these were:

*  Knowledge (of women) about COVID -19 relief programs
*  Registration of marginalized women with government relief programs
*  Benefits of relief programs to marginalized women
*  Sectoral distribution of marginalized women benefitting from government run programs
*  Priority needs of women workers
*  Incidence of violence against women
*  Availability of health services to women in public hospitals
*  Preferences for pregnant women in the context of COVID-19
*  Community satisfaction level with the delivery of relief and assistance

In addition to sessions, AF JAZBA team identified 30 families from each district are selected for humanitarian assistance. Overall, 360 families will be benefited from humanitarian assistance initiatives. (5*30*12=1800) On average 5 persons from one family and aggregate of 4000 persons will benefit from the project initiatives.

Aurat Foundation organized a "Training of Trainers" on Community Leadership and Local Government System from 17-20 March, 2020 at Four Points Hotel, Lahore under Democracy and Empowered Women or Jamhuriat aur Baikhtiar Aurat "JAZBA Project. It was a national event that was attended by engaged districts' staff of JAZBA and CSO members from already engaged targeted districts of Pakistan.

The objective of the TOT was to equip the district staff and CSO members with the proper knowledge of leadership and local government system and clarity to downstream the trainings in their respective districts. The training was started with the welcome note by Team Leader Mr. Irfan Mufti, SAP-PK. He gave a brief introduction of JAZBA project to participants, he answered the questions raised by the participants during his presentation.

Ms. Shamaila Tanvir, Programme Manager said that initially, TOT was planned for four days in order to deliver contents of training in first two days while other two days were the replication of the training contents by the participants. Keeping in view the current situation of COV 19 prevailing in Pakistan make it difficult to complete the four days because most of the participants were from Sindh, Punjab and KP Provinces.

The main themes were covered in the training were; Gender Concepts, Power Walk, Power and its Dynamic, Gender Based Violence, Understanding Leadership, History and Importance of Local Government System in Pakistan, Citizen's participation in Politics, Analysis of Existing Local Governments in Provinces, Pre- and Post-Election Role and Skills for Ideal Representation. Training techniques were participatory, group works with fun, brainstorming with their experience and ideas that enabled participants to innovate ideas and perspectives. The medium of training was Urdu and manual and hands outs distributed among participants were also developed in Urdu for their more clarity on the topics.

The training team was comprised of capacity building experts Ms. Saima Munir, Ms. Shabina Ayaz, Nabeela Shaheen and Ms. Shamaila Tanvir from Aurat Foundation, Mr. Shakeel Abbas from SAP-PK and Mr. Salman Abid, Executive Director IDEAS.

The training was ended with vote of thanks and hope that all human kind will be successfully survived from this COV 19 virus and field activities will be resumed in the mid of April 2020. At the end, certificates were also distributed among the participation as an appreciation token for their active and energetic participation.

The Launching ceremony of the JAZBA held on 13 March 2020 in Lahore and more than 350 representatives from political, social sphere participated along with Govt officials.
The launch was a good starter for new comers and it give a full clarity of audience specially Govt official, legislators, CSOs representatives, PWDs, TG and women in politics.

Session was chaired by Provincial Minister Mr. Ijaz Masih, Minister for Human Rights & Minorities Affairs & co chaired by Sardar Husnain Bahadar Dreshak , Minister for Livestock & Dairy Development and MPAs and CSO representatives to share their views about this joint intervention and current need.

The main objective of launching the program on International Women Day was to grab maximum attention from key stakeholder on addressing the issue of women's political participation in decision-making mainly focusing on election act & LG Act. Women's political participation and empowerment was strongly stressed by all the speaker. The speakers and audience appreciated the efforts of women community leaders. The speakers termed these women leaders as role models to be followed by other people. The project brochure, animated documentary on project niche, and story of change were shared and distributed for more clarity on JAZBA.

The Launch was a good opportunity for the project to raise CSOs concerns about local government system and also demanded elections on priority basis. Concern on reduction of 33% reserve seats was also raised.

Aurat Foundation organized 2- Days Capacity Building Workshops for Shelters Staff on “Understanding Gender Based Violence and Standard Operating Procedures” in their respective districts i.e. Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Sukkur, Abbottabad and Peshawar. The training sessions were organized from 30th January to 18th February 2020. Overall, 199 (141 women and 51 men) officials of shelters staff trained on “Understanding Gender Based Violence and Standard Operating Procedures of Shelters”.

Under this main title of 2-Day Capacity Building of Shelter Staff on “Understanding Gender Based Violence and Standard Operating Procedures of Shelters, following topics were covered:
Overview of Violence Against Women and Girls, Gender-based violence – defining GBV and discussion on after-effects and consequences of GBV, Prevention and response strategies, survivor assistance; guiding principles: Health – Psychosocial – Security – Legal justice,

Orientation on SOPs/ Minimum Care Standards, Principles, Guidelines and Procedures for the Dar-ul-Aman staff; (Admission, Duration of stay, Discharge, Working days and hours, Compliance with internal rules/ SOPs of the Dar-ul-Aman), Guidelines to dealing with the residents based on a human right, survivor-centric and do no harm approach; Residents’ right, Categories of violations and redressal mechanisms, Protection guidelines and Services to the residents (in line with the Essential Services Package): Medical care; Psychological support; Legal aid; Security; Vocational training; & other services or facilities. TORs of Advisory Committees, TORs of Complaints Management Committees

Survivors’ rehabilitation and follow up mechanisms, strengthening of referral and networking mechanisms, Orientation of Pro Women Laws applicable in Punjab, Discussion on strategies for building positive image of shelters. Pre and post-test assessment of participant were also done. Certificates were also awarded to all trainees. Key notables were invited for awarding the certificates in the end of workshop.

Aurat Foundation in collaboration with Legal Aid Society has prepared Pakistan Alternative Civil Society's Alternative Report on CEDAW 2020. The report covers the period from 2013-2017. The report researched and written by Ms. Tahira Abdullah, Ms. Naheed Aziz, Ms. Maliha Zia and Mr. Naeem Ahmed Mirza. Ms. Mumtaz Mughal Director Programmes presented the report to CEDAW committee during the 75th Session of CEDAW on 9th to 13th February 2020 at UN Headquarters, Geneva. On behalf of over 200 NGOs and 4-Nationsl Alliances, she also read the "Oral Statement" about situation of "Women's Political and Public Participation in Pakistan" at CEDAW 75 session, on 10 Feb 2020.

This 2020 Alternative Report (Pakistan) covers women's critical concerns in relation to their rights as enshrined in the Pakistan Constitution. Besides responding to the CEDAW Committee's 2013 and 2019 Concluding Observations (COs), this Report draws attention to key issues emerging since the submission of Pakistan's Fifth Periodic Report (October 2018). That Report cites outdated statistics, e.g., Articles 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 (2012-2017 data). AF also demanded the withdrawal of 'Declaration' upon State accession to the Convention and ratification of CEDAW Optional Protocol.

The Government's responses in the Fifth Report give the impression that it has complied fully with CEDAW Articles in letter and spirit. Ground realities belie these tall claims. We appreciate some progress, e.g. enactment of women-friendly laws at federal and provincial levels, including positive amendments in electoral laws. Much of the credit goes to civil society, human rights activists' advocacy and proactive initiatives, women legislators, Status of Women Commissions (CSWs). Yet, there exist many unresolved issues within the bitter reality that women and girls risk being discriminated against, humiliated, raped, and "dishonour"-killed, on any pretext that offends patriarchal and misogynist mindsets. There are signs of regression instead of progression in several respects. The National Machinery for women's advancement is not fully functional or effective; illegal 'jirgas' and 'panchayats' continue to wreak havoc with women's lives. Enforcement of positive pro women legislation is not pursued seriously.

State Party Report shortcomings also include: failure to respond adequately to the Committee's COs and Recommendations; uneven representation or omission of provincial initiatives; use of outdated, and/or disputed data instead of credible independent national and global data-sets on varied dimensions of gender inequality; and failure to mention linkages to the SDGs. It does not identify, measure, analyse substantive change or improvement resulting from new laws and policies, as per adequacy of implementation, coverage, access to, or effectiveness of services.

This Alternative Report recognizes the resilience, courage and initiatives of women and girls in private and public spheres, legislators, minorities, persons with disability (PWDs) and transgender individuals (TGIs), taking action to reclaim their rights. We hope that federal and provincial governments will acknowledge harsh realities facing half the population and undertake concrete actions in compliance with the State's commitments under CEDAW. (Report is available on AF website: www.af.org.pk/publications)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between Women Development Department, Punjab and Aurat Foundation, concerning implementation of Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan on 28th January 2020 at International Islamic University, Islamabad. The MoU was signed by Ms. Ashifa Riaz Fatyana, Minster for Women Development Department, Government of Punjab and Ms. Mumtaz Mughal, Director Programmes Aurat Foundation. Special Assistant to Prime Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan, officials of Ministry of Defence, Vice Chancellor of International Islamic University, women leaders, students and civil society activists were present on the occasion.

The objectives of were:

• Collaborate, to develop and implement a road map/strategy for implementation of Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan in Punjab
• Aurat Foundation will provide human resource “as capacity building experts” to conduct the training programme in educational institutions and community.
• Ensure co-operation, consultation and effective coordination with each other for taking joint ventures in respect of raising awareness in the Punjab concerning women’s rights follow by Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan.
• Strengthened the youth capacities in education institutions and communities on women rights.

For the implementation of the programme;

• AF identified 20 trainers from Rawalpindi and Lahore for training of trainers.
• Out of 20, Sixteen (16) trainers were trained through one day orientation session on manual of Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan on 28th January 2020 at conference hall of International Islamic University, Islamabad.
• AF trainers conducted 2-sessions on 13-14 February 2020 at Fatima Jinnah University, Rawalpindi
• A "Videography Competition" was announced by Women Development Department, Punjab in collaboration with Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Foundation, AF and Rafi Peer Theater on 23 April 2020.
• Videography Competition published in 17 national and regional newspapers

 

Aurat Foundation arranged consultation meeting on Sharing Progress for Women Empowerment" at Four Point by Sheraton hotel, Lahore on 13th December, 2019 where representatives of PCSW, WDD, NCHR, Social Welfare Dept. & women protections Authority, Labor department and Women Parliamentarians shared their progress and initiatives for women empowerment under Creating Spaces Project of Aurat Foundation and Oxfam in Pakistan. Justice (R) Nasira javaid and Ms. Ashifa Riaz Fatyana, Minister for Women Development graced the occasion with their valuable participation.

The purpose of the workshop was to discuss about gender parity measures, frameworks, and progress pertaining to legal, economic, and social indicators. Various departments of the respective provinces will be invited to share their progress against performance benchmarks, and these sessions will produce practical recommendations for women and social welfare ministries. Policy makers, legislatures, executives, public office holders, and civil society representatives have the opportunity to review the progress these different departments are making.

The formal meeting started with the welcome note by Mr. Anjum Rafiq, Provincial Coordinator, followed by introduction of the participants. Ms. Isma Sana provided the introduction of the Creating Spaces Project. Ms. Shamaila Tanvir gave the brief details about the workshop.

Representatives of different govt. department shared the progress made for women’s empowerment of their relevant departments.

• Mr. Imran Qureshi, Senior Legal Executive, Punjab Commission on the Status of Women
• Mr. Waqar Ahmad, Deputy Director, Women Development Department, Punjab
• Director, Social Welfare Department, Punjab
• Mr. Muhammad Khalid, Provincial Coordinator, National Commission of Human Rights
• Mr. Muhammad Shahid, Director, Labour Department, Punjab
• Ms. Neelum Hayyat, MPA & General Secretary for Women’s Parliamentary Caucus
• Ms. Uzma Kardar, MPA & Chairperson for Gender Mainstreaming Committee, Provincial Assembly of the Punjab
• Ms. Shamsa Advocate, MPA & Chairperson for Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Provincial Assembly of the Punjab
• Justice (R) Nasira Javaid Iqbal
• Ms. Ashifa Riaz Fatyana, Minster for Women Development, Provincial Assembly of the Punjab
  

Aurat Foundation in collaboration with Oxfam with the financial support of Global Affairs Canada, organized a consultation in Lahore on 19th November 2019 at Four Points by Sheraton in which a large number of women parliamentarians, government officials and civil society networks and alliances participated. In this consultation, all the participants shared and proposed draft amendment(s) Punjab Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 2015, including, increasing the age of a girl to 18 instead of 16.

Aurat Foundation organized and sponsored a session "Water Energy Food Nexus; Does the Nexus actually work? Women's Perspective" during the 4th International Water Conference at Marriot Hotel, Karachi organized by Hissar Foundation. The objectives of session were; ascertain if the water-energy-food nexus is something that resonates with women, whether this concept is useful and usable for Women Water Networks. The session was chaired by Dr Abida Farooqi, Assistant Professor Environmental Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University.

Ms. Mumtaz Mughal, Director Progarmme presented a summary of women's colloquiums and shared the future of Women and Water Networks and how it embraces NEXUS. Women's rights activists Ms. Farzana Saleem and Ms. Farkhunda Aurangzeb shared that the history of Women and Water Networks. A presentation was given by Ms. Meher Nowshirwani on women and Nexus. The session recognized the pivotal role of gender in the food and energy nexus. Women are needed in policy making at all levels of the water sector as guarantors for water reforms. Women and girls, and the way they are impacted by access to water, food and environmental entitlements constitute a large part of the picture, and most importantly a large part of the solution.

The 4th International Water Conference was inaugurated by President of Republic of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi. While addressing 4th Karachi International Water Conference. He highlighted the importance to establish a network of partnerships on water and food security involving private sector, government, civil society, media and people of Pakistan, is the need of the hour. He said that we live in a time, where our children are rightfully holding us accountable for our mistakes in failing to take care of the environment. They expect us to protect natural resources and leave them a legacy on which to build a water and food sufficient society.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of Water Conference, Governor Sindh, Mr. Imran Ismail said that water crisis was one of the major challenges faced by the present government for which Prime Minister Imran Khan decided to implement water supply projects across the country. He stressed upon improved inter-provincial coordination to mitigate prevailing water and food security risks, while stressing for provincial consensus on the implementation of water policy so that the growing needs of the country could be met accordingly.

Ms. Simi Kamal, Founder member of Hissar Foundation shared the objectives of conference. She said that Water Energy Food concept applied to water security (access and supply), food and energy with water holding center stage. The Nexus approach allows exploration through the prism of valuing water, food, social and economic inclusion (gender and youth), water governance, water infrastructure, and investment. Delivering water, energy and food for all in a sustainable and equitable way is one of the major challenges faced by society.

The conference was attended by leaders, actors and players of the water sector that are working on Water-Energy-Food Nexus and related areas. Major global, regional and national organizations and their representatives, researchers, professionals, decision-makers, business innovators, practitioners, experts, women's groups and youth groups.

By the end of the conference we expect to see the emergence of a research agenda on WEF nexus, pledges of government and people working together and working relationships connecting developed and developing countries to address our common heritage.