UNICEF Unveils New Vision To Empower Adolescent Girls In Pakistan
Faizan Hashmi Published April 30, 2024 | 08:20 PM
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2024) Pakistan launched its National Gender Strategy (2024-2027) here on Tuesday to deliver lasting, transformative change for millions of girls between 10-19 years.
If the strategy is implemented effectively from urban to rural areas, it can drive change, address inequalities and improve the lives of all girls and women, including those living with disability.
"Striving for equal opportunities for all, especially girls, is fundamental to Pakistan's progress. Investing in girls is a win-win for everyone,” said Nilofer Bakhtiar, Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women. “It can lead to higher incomes and increased productivity, benefiting not only girls, but also the nation. By investing in girls' leadership, we unlock their full potential and pave the way for their brighter future.”
Today, adolescent girls in Pakistan face stark challenges in their education, health, nutrition and well-being. For example, Pakistan is home to nearly 19 million child brides.
In addition, more than half of adolescent girls, or 54 per cent, are pregnant before their 18th birthday which can be life-threatening for the mother and the child.
A staggering 88 per cent of adolescent girls live in poverty which hampers the country's progress.
“Millions of children, most of whom are girls, face devastating challenges in their daily lives. Often, they cannot use even basic social services like health care. They are forced to drop out of school due to early marriage, poverty, and deep-rooted social norms,” said Inoussa Kabore, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Pakistan.
“If all girls and women were to have the opportunities that are their right, such as studying, working, they would contribute to the economy and help Pakistan to prosper. No country will get ahead if half its population is left behind. UNICEF looks forward to working with the Government, civil society organizations, communities, girls and women, men and boys, to change the national dialogue on this critical issue.”
During the launch, UNICEF presented URAAN, which embodies UNICEF’s spirit on gender equality, with wings that symbolize greater equity in programming on gender.
The new strategy reiterates UNICEF’s commitment to the leadership and well-being of adolescent girls with a series of time-bound results.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Tickets sale for fans zones in Australia for Pak-India match to start on June 4
LHC grants bail to Chaudhary Parvez Elahi
Two underpasses to be built in Islamabad: Mohsin Naqvi
One-day Mourning in Pakistan today for Iranian helicopter crash victims
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 21 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 21 May 2024
PTI founder acquitted in May 9 vandalism case
Liverpool confirm Slot will replace Klopp as manager
Russian playwright & director on trial for 'justifying' terrorism
Free media, responsible opposition play crucial roles in national development: S ..
AJK leaders condolence Iranian President's demise in helicopter crash
Schauffele birdies final hole to capture PGA for first major win
More Stories From Pakistan
-
Federal Minister for Law and Justice meets the delegation of Minorities
9 minutes ago -
DPS branch to be set up in FDA City: Commissioner
9 minutes ago -
Violation of traffic rules not be tolerated at all: CTO
9 minutes ago -
Govt to bring reforms in key areas to provide relief to masses: Energy minister
19 minutes ago -
DC for action against the illegal gas decanting
19 minutes ago -
Joint efforts stressed to control menace of drug addiction
19 minutes ago
-
IRSA releases 285,300 cusecs water
19 minutes ago -
Steps underway to highlight art, culture of Faisalabad: Dr Khuram Tariq
29 minutes ago -
Four robbery gangs busted
49 minutes ago -
LHC grants bail to Chaudhary Parvez Elahi
56 minutes ago -
Man held over prank call:
59 minutes ago -
Food points fined over violations:
1 hour ago