International Women Leaders Join Hands with Pakistan’s Rural Women to Advocate for Rights, Equality, and Education

ISLAMABAD, OCT 16 (DNA): On the second day of the 18th Rural Women Leadership Training Conference at Lok Virsa, over 500 women leaders from more than 100 districts across Pakistan unanimously adopted a resolution to set 18 years as the minimum legal age of girls for marriage. PODA (Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy) is organizing a three-day 18th Annual Rural Women Leadership Training Conference at Lok Virsa, Islamabad, which will conclude tomorrow with a recognition ceremony honoring rural women leaders for their dedication to the progress and development of their communities

In her address as a keynote speaker, Deputy Attorney General of Pakistan, Advocate Hifza Bukhari, outlined the key features of the ICT Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, emphasizing the mandatory requirement of identity cards as a critical measure for effective enforcement. She also underscored the importance of establishing a uniform minimum age of marriage across the country.

Fauzia Viqar, Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment at the Workplace, chaired the session titled “Solution Strategies Development Session to Reduce Early Marriages to Enhance Gender Equality.” She emphasized the importance of understanding laws that safeguard women’s rights and raising awareness about them, noting that such knowledge is vital for helping those in urgent need of protection for their fundamental rights.

Prof. Brigadier Dr. Mamoona Mushtaq, representing the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Pakistan, gave a detailed presentation on the health complications associated with early marriages. She discussed the root causes and stressed the need for effective implementation of legislation aimed at protecting girls’ rights. A youth group led by footballer Saeed Nisa from Kalash emphasized the important role sports play in empowering girls and developing their leadership skills. The group included Tehzeeb Khan, Tamadun Khan, Muhammad Arbaz, Nazia Shabbir, and Rabia Hameed. They also challenged common myths surrounding female athletes – particularly the misconception that girls who play sports may not be able to become mothers.

During a session titled “Dialogue with Women Diplomats on Journey of Empowerment,” several women diplomats and leaders shared their perspectives on gender equality, education, health, and legislative reforms to empower women. They emphasized that investing in education and healthcare is critical for sustainable progress, and shared inspiring examples from their countries on how policy, representation, and commitment to women’s rights have led to tangible improvements in society. The speakers were: Mary O’Neill, Ambassador of Ireland, Dorsaf Maaroufi, Ambassador of Tunisia, Harerimana Fatou, High Commissioner of Rwanda and Rita Dhital, Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan.

Samina Fazil, President of the Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce, inaugurated the women’s pavilion at the event, which featured stalls showcasing the work of women entrepreneurs and artisans.

Mohtarma Safia Saeed, MPA from Punjab, stressed the urgent need to combat gender-based violence through stronger laws and their effective implementation. “We must work to eliminate violence against women, girls, and children. Strengthening legislation on the minimum age of marriage is one critical step toward reducing gender-based violence,” she said. She supported the demand to raise minimum age of marriage of girls to 18 years to reduce gender inequality.

Other sessions held on Thursday included: “Promoting the Role of Women and Youth in Olive Value Chain Enterprises,” supported by OliveCulture – ScaleUp, the Italian Cooperation, and the Government of Italy; a Technical Education Session on Plant Protection and Gender Issues Faced by Women Farmers in Agriculture; and “Enhancing Women’s Role and Leadership in Climate Adaptation, Mitigation, and Resilience.”

The three-day conference, dedicated to empowering rural women leaders, will conclude tomorrow with a ceremony honoring their efforts to protect fundamental rights and improve the lives of women across the country.