Peshawar witnessed a significant gathering at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to commemorate the anniversary of the landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. The event, focused on Women, Peace, and Security, was chaired by the KP Assembly Speaker, Babar Saleem Swati, and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the critical role of women in building a stable society.
Leadership and Pillars for Peace
In his opening address, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati warmly welcomed the participants and underscored the foundational role women play in social development and family stability. He emphasized the esteemed status and rights of women as a cornerstone for progress. The session featured detailed briefings from Paiman Alumni Trust and the Centre of Excellence for Countering Violence and Extremism (KPCVE), who outlined the session's objectives and the profound importance of Resolution 1325.
Ms Bushra Haider, in her inaugural speech, delivered a powerful message, stating that sustainable peace remains an unattainable goal without the effective and meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes.
Elaborating the Global Framework for Pakistan
Dr Samira Shams, the Chairperson of the Provincial Commission on the Status of Women, provided a comprehensive breakdown of the four essential pillars of UNSC Resolution 1325. She described Prevention, Participation, Protection, and Relief & Recovery as a robust global framework that can significantly bolster peace and development efforts within Pakistan.
Echoing the sentiment on inclusion, Dr Qasim Khan, the Director General of KPCVE, highlighted that women's inclusion is not just beneficial but absolutely indispensable for achieving social cohesion, sustainable peace, and effective governance.
Call for a National Action Plan and Interactive Dialogue
The central session saw Dr Musarrat Qadeem, Executive Director of Paiman Alumni Trust, emphasize the urgent need for a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. She stressed that the active involvement and commitment of provincial governments are key pillars for the success of this entire process in Pakistan.
The event concluded with a dynamic and interactive session featuring women parliamentarians. The discussions were centered on practical strategies for strengthening their role as champions for women's empowerment, particularly in the critical arenas of decision-making and governance.
The gathering was notable for its wide participation, drawing in a large number of education experts, civil society representatives, media professionals, academia, and members of the Provincial Assembly, all united in their focus on advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
