Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) has finalised the draft of the Women Empowerment Policy (2026–2030), with the document set to be formally launched following approval by the provincial cabinet.
The development comes as the province prepares to mark National and International Women’s Day, positioning the policy as a framework for advancing women’s rights and inclusion over the next five years.
A meeting of the Technical Committee constituted for the policy was held on Wednesday at the KPCSW office in Peshawar. The meeting was chaired by KPCSW Chairperson Dr. Sumera Shams and attended by representatives from relevant government departments, civil society, and international organisations.
Technical committee reviews policy objectives and implementation
During the meeting, a detailed presentation on the draft policy was delivered, followed by discussions on its objectives, implementation mechanisms, and institutional responsibilities. Committee members shared recommendations aimed at strengthening social, economic, and political inclusion of women across the province.
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Participants were informed that the proposed policy is aligned with the Constitution of Pakistan and existing provincial policies. The framework is designed to address gender-based discrimination, improve access to justice, and enhance coordination among institutions responsible for women’s development.
Focus on rights, representation, and institutional coordination
Special attention was given to measures related to women’s inheritance rights under existing laws. Proposals were also discussed to strengthen women’s representation in the provincial cabinet, local government bodies, consultative forums, standing committees, and planning and budgeting processes.
According to officials, the policy outlines short-term, mid-term, and long-term outcomes aimed at improving women’s access to public services and safeguarding their legal and economic rights. After validation by relevant departments, the policy will be submitted to the provincial cabinet for approval before its formal launch.
Officials said the completion of the draft marks a key step toward institutionalising women’s empowerment initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
