Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Addresses Technology-Based Gender Violence

Islamabad: The 11th General Assembly Meeting of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) convened today at Parliament House in Islamabad, spotlighting the pressing issue of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Under the leadership of Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Secretary of the WPC, the gathering attracted a significant number of caucus members, signaling a robust commitment to enhancing women’s empowerment and tackling urgent public health challenges.

The assembly featured an in-depth briefing by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Pakistan’s inaugural National Strategy on TFGBV, crafted in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights. This initiative addresses one of the most intricate human rights and governance issues that predominantly affect women and girls. Members engaged in a profound dialogue on global policy developments, content moderation mechanisms, legislative oversight strategies, and effective advocacy channels. The discussions emphasized the imperative of fortifying parliamentary leadership to combat and respond to technology-driven gender violence in Pakistan.

Additionally, the session included a detailed presentation by the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) regarding the upcoming nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign. The WPC members were provided with informational brochures about the initiative and voiced their support for elevating public awareness of this vital health campaign. Scheduled from 15 to 27 September 2025, the campaign will span Punjab, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad, targeting girls aged 9–14 years with a free, single-dose, WHO-approved vaccine designed to prevent cervical cancer.

The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus members reaffirmed their dedication to these critical areas, particularly by shielding women and girls from technology-related harm and endorsing life-saving health measures like the HPV vaccination drive. The meeting concluded with a robust appeal for coordinated efforts among lawmakers, governmental bodies, civil society organizations, and international collaborators to maintain the momentum from today’s discussions and convert it into concrete results for women and girls across Pakistan.

Attendees included the Convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan; Parliamentary Secretaries Ms. Rana Ansar, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, and Ms. Saba Sadiq; alongside MNAs such as Ms. Syeda Shehla Raza, Ms. Huma Chughtai, and several others, all demonstrating a unified front in addressing these pivotal issues.

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