Moot highlights challenges Pakistani girls facing

LAHORE : Speakers at a seminar titled Girls’ Vision for Future the other day highlighted challenges Pakistani girls are facing in terms of their education, health, nutrition and well-being.

The moot, organised by Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE) at a local hotel in connection with International Day of Girl, was addressed by Ms Bushra Khaliq, Executive Director WISE, Sidra Humayun, Programme Coordinator, UN Women, Nabila Bhatti, member Working Group at National Commission on the Rights of Child, Imran Mehboob Khan, representative of Punjab Police Integrated Command Control & Communication Center, Punjab Safe City Authority, Nazir Ahmad Gazi, Coordinator Child Rights Movement (CRM), Ms Humaira, Child Protection Officer, Child Protection & Welfare Bureau and Dr Noor ul Zaman, Director, Phoenix Foundation.

The speakers said 12 million girls are out of schools and nearly 19 million girls are married underage. They said some 54 percent girls become pregnant before their 18th birthday and 55 percent are anemic. Bushra said girls are often under societal pressure to conform to certain ideals of beauty, behaviour, and domesticity. These ideals may promote passivity and discourage girls from asserting their independence or pursuing ambitious careers. She said in many parts of the country girls face stifling restrictions on their mobility and they are discouraged from participating in outdoor activities, sports, or social gatherings.

She said girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during their formative years, but also as they mature into women. She said if effectively supported and educated, girls have the potential to change the world. The WISE Executive Director said by investing in girls' leadership, we unlock their full potential and pave the way for their brighter future. High level of attention is required to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights, she added.

Sidra Humayun said many girls are subjected to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse in homes often by family members or relatives. Cultural norms often prevent them from speaking out against such abuse due to the stigma it carries. She talked about safeguarding strategies to address Gender-Based Violence against girls and women. Highlighting the importance of young women leadership, she emphasised the need for investment in realising the power of girls upholds their rights today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future, in which young women are equal partner.

Nabila Bhatti said Pakistan is home to nearly 19 million child brides and ranks 6th globally in early child marriages. She said some 54 percent girls become pregnant before their 18th birthday which can be life-threatening for the mother and the child. Imran Mehboob stressed the need for public awareness regarding child protection. He told the audience that PSCA has established virtual child care center in its office linked throughout the Punjab, which addresses a range of issues of child abuse including the cases of child missing, run away children, molested or abducted children. Sharing figures, he told that Safe City Authority has received 30,000 complaints regarding children. Out of which majority of complaints were resolved successfully. Nazir Ghazi stressed the need of girl empowerment through education. He said some 26 percent of girls and 19 percent of boys had never been to school.