Rawalpindi-Islamabad (Staff Reporter) \u2014 More than 600 rural women leaders from nearly 100 districts of Pakistan have called for effective steps to end discrimination against girls and women, curb child marriage, promote education and ensure women\u2019s economic autonomy.<\/p>\n
The demands were raised on the opening day of the 19th Annual Rural Women Leadership Training Conference organised by the Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA Pakistan). The three-day event is being held from October 27 to 29, 2026, with participation from rural women leaders, parliamentarians, social activists, experts and representatives of various institutions from across the country.<\/p>\n
Welcoming the participants, PODA board member Mumtaz Askar appreciated the struggle and contribution of rural women in pushing legislation for the elimination of child marriage. She underlined the need for effective implementation of laws passed in Punjab, Islamabad and other relevant areas, along with practical measures for the protection of underage girls. She also termed family planning important for the health of mothers and children.<\/p>\n
PODA Executive Director Samina Nazeer said that after legislation against child marriage, the real priority should be to develop effective mechanisms that protect underage girls and ensure implementation of their rights.<\/p>\n
\u201cEducation is the foundation for preventing child marriage and empowering women,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In a session titled \u201cProtection from Child Marriage through 12 Years of Compulsory Education,\u201d Member of National Assembly and Secretary of the Women\u2019s Parliamentary Caucus Dr Shahida Rahmani described education as essential for social change and national development.<\/p>\n
She said rural women make an important contribution to agriculture, food security, household economy and community development, but continue to face several barriers in education, health, property ownership, legal protection, economic opportunities and participation in decision-making.<\/p>\n
Afshan Tahseen, former founding chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child and Chief Executive Officer of Human Capital Pakistan, spoke about the negative effects of child marriage on girls\u2019 health, education and autonomy. She stressed the need to enhance women\u2019s economic participation and provide them equal opportunities.<\/p>\n
Dr Nishat Riaz of the Malala Fund said education was a key tool for bringing women\u2019s abilities to the fore and ensuring their meaningful participation in democracy. She recalled that PODA had introduced Malala Yousafzai at its conference in 2009, when she was only 12 years old.<\/p>\n
Another session focused on the need for a safe digital environment for women and girls. Senator Sana Jamali from Balochistan voiced concern over limited access to internet and digital facilities in rural areas, particularly in Balochistan. She called for improved internet access for women, online protection and responsible use of artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
Worth Tech CEO Mehreen Talha advised women to adopt precautionary measures to protect themselves from online harassment and financial fraud. She said women should not share their banking codes and PINs with anyone. In cases of online harassment, she advised them to preserve evidence, including screenshots, and submit complaints to the relevant platforms.<\/p>\n
Mania Bangash, Assistant Chief Manager of the State Bank of Pakistan\u2019s Banking Services Corporation, highlighted the Banking on Equality Policy for women\u2019s financial inclusion. She said women\u2019s representation in banks should be increased, dedicated financial facilities for women should be provided and their access to financial services should be improved.<\/p>\n
Aqsa Meerwani, a farmer from Awaran district in Balochistan, shared her story of struggle and success. She is the first woman in her area to obtain land ownership. A recipient of the President of Pakistan\u2019s Pride of Pakistan Award 2025, she has also been included by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization among 100 women who have played a prominent role in agri-food systems and rural development.<\/p>\n
Aqsa Meerwani stressed the need to establish centres for girls\u2019 education and technical training in Khuzdar (Korak). She said the Amma Naeema Foundation, founded by her, was providing assistance to 1,264 individuals.<\/p>\n
In the closing session, themed \u201cThe Voice and Representation of Pakistan\u2019s Rural Women Leaders at COP31 Turkey,\u201d participants demanded that education on climate change and natural disasters be included in the curriculum from the school level. The session, held in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, emphasised that women\u2019s needs should be given priority in disaster planning as rural women are more affected by climate change and disasters.<\/p>\n
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed commitment to creating equal opportunities for women in rural and underdeveloped areas and promoting their meaningful participation in economic, social and public life. He described women\u2019s empowerment as a vital investment for Pakistan\u2019s sustainable and prosperous future.<\/p>\n
On the first day of the conference, rural women leaders also presented their issues, challenges and recommendations for possible solutions. Participants reaffirmed their resolve to continue collective efforts for protecting the rights of women and girls, promoting education, ending child marriage, ensuring digital protection, strengthening economic autonomy and addressing climate change.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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