NCSW marks National Women’s Day with call to end violence and child marriage

ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) observed National Women’s Day with a renewed call to strengthen protections for women and girls, highlighting the need to end violence, child marriage, and ensure equal rights.

Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar, speaking at the commemoration, expressed concern over the continued rise in violence against women, including so-called honour killings and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. She noted that despite legislative progress, meaningful equality remains elusive for many women in Pakistan.

“Pakistani women have shown extraordinary resilience and strength in the face of structural and societal barriers. Yet, many remain deprived of access to quality education, vocational training, digital literacy, and economic opportunities necessary to thrive in today’s world,” she said.

Azhar stressed that early and child marriages continue to deprive girls of their fundamental rights, limiting their education, health, and professional growth. She emphasized that empowering women through inclusive policies and equal access to resources is essential for sustainable national progress.

NCSW urged the governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to immediately enact legislation setting 18 years as the minimum age of marriage, ensuring uniform protection for girls across the country.

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The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s rights, strengthening laws and institutional mechanisms for gender equality, and promoting women’s inclusion in economic, political, and digital spaces. It called upon government institutions, civil society, media, and citizens to work collectively for a safer and more inclusive Pakistan.

NCSW underscored that empowering women is not only a matter of justice but a national imperative, noting that when women are given opportunities to live, learn, and lead, they strengthen families, uplift communities, and drive prosperity.