Peshawar, Over 150 women lawyers from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including its merged districts, convened at the fourth Women Lawyers Conference to discuss and devise strategies for improving access to justice for women and vulnerable groups. The event, sponsored by the European Union’s ‘Deliver Justice Project,’ was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council.
According to United Nations Development Programme, the conference aimed to celebrate the achievements of women lawyers and address the challenges they face in the legal profession. It provided a platform for participants to share experiences and insights, with a particular focus on using design thinking methodology to make the justice sector more accessible and safe for women and marginalized individuals.
H.E. Dr. Riina Kionka, EU Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, emphasized the importance of creating a gender-responsive working environment in her opening remarks. She pointed out that enhancing the role of women in the legal profession not only supports justice but also ensures safer and more effective pathways to legal resources for vulnerable groups.
Ms. Shandana Gulzar, a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, and Ms. Van Nguyen, Officer in Charge at UNDP Pakistan, were chief guests at the event. Ms. Gulzar highlighted the conference’s role in fostering discussions on tolerance, peace, and justice, particularly for those marginalized in society. She commended the efforts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council, the European Union, and UNDP Pakistan in organizing such a significant event.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Nguyen discussed the various barriers women lawyers face in the region, from socio-cultural and systemic challenges to financial and professional obstacles. She reiterated UNDP’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of women lawyers and improving the overall delivery of inclusive justice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the merged districts.
The ‘Deliver Justice Project’ under which this conference was held, seeks to support justice reforms, enhance access to justice, and improve the service delivery of the security sector to align with constitutional and international standards. It operates across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Merged Districts, funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The conference marked a significant step towards strengthening the legal community’s capacity to advocate for and implement justice reforms beneficial to all, particularly women and marginalized groups in Pakistan.