ISLAMABAD, OCT 26 /DNA/ – PODA-Pakistan is set to convene its three-day 19th Annual Rural Women Leadership Training Conference in Islamabad from 27 to 29 October 2026, bringing together rural women leaders from across Pakistan, representing all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan. Representing approximately 100 districts across the country, the participants will gather to raise the priorities of rural women and girls, share their experiences, and develop collective solutions to advance their rights, protection, leadership, and socio-economic empowerment.
A significant three-day event is being held in Islamabad in connection with the International Rural Women’s Day, bringing rural women leaders from across Pakistan together for PODA-Pakistan’s 19th Annual Rural Women Leadership Training Conference, scheduled for 27–29 October 2026 in Islamabad. Representing approximately 100 districts across the country, participants from all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan will gather to share their experiences, voice the priorities of rural women and girls, and develop collective recommendations to advance their rights, protection, leadership, inclusion, and socio-economic empowerment.
PODA Executive Director Ms. Sameena Nazir stated that PODA provides a strong platform for rural women to raise their priority concerns with policymakers and present recommendations grounded in grassroots realities. She congratulated rural women, recognizing their vital contribution to Pakistan’s economy and society. She emphasized that rural women are central to efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger, reduce inequalities, and ensure the meaningful inclusion and participation of all segments of society. She called for greater government attention to rural women’s needs, rights, and priorities, recognizing their pivotal role in the country’s social and economic development.
The first day of the conference will focus on safety, rights, and climate justice. Sessions will address the creation of safe digital spaces for women and girls, prevention of online harassment, financial inclusion through “Banking on Equality,” and the establishment of regional networks of rural women leaders. Discussions will also highlight the role of 12 years of education in protecting girls from child marriage before the age of 18. A national dialogue will bring rural women’s experiences of climate change, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence during disasters into discussions on policy, preparedness, and advocacy.
The second day will focus on women’s political participation and protection from violence. Technical training sessions will examine women’s constitutional and electoral rights, barriers faced by rural women as voters and candidates, and remedies available under the Election Act 2017. Discussions will also explore the prevention of violence against women and girls, survivor experiences, protection and rehabilitation services, innovative approaches, and practical strategies to strengthen responses. The day will further celebrate the diverse folk traditions and cultural contributions of rural women from different regions of Pakistan.
The third day will highlight disability inclusion, women’s leadership, and rural economic opportunities. A dedicated session will explore the leadership and meaningful participation of women with disabilities, their lived experiences, and recommendations for inclusive change. Another session will focus on empowering women in agriculture, including opportunities in olive production and rural enterprise development, business development services, market access, gender equality, and climate-resilient livelihoods. The conference will conclude with the presentation and approval of a conference resolution reflecting the priorities and recommendations of participating rural women leaders, alongside an awards ceremony.
Throughout the three days, rural women’s testimonies, interactive discussions, and collective recommendations will provide an opportunity to bring grassroots realities into institutional and policy-level dialogue. The conference aims to strengthen rural women’s voices and leadership while advancing practical solutions for the protection, rights, political participation, inclusion, and economic empowerment of women and girls across Pakistan.
The conference is co-funded by Civicus, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the European Union, Sightsavers, and Olive Culture, with the support of its conference partners.
