In an effort to provide millions of girls between the ages of 10 and 19 with long-lasting, revolutionary change, Pakistan presented its national gender plan (2024–2027) on Tuesday.
The method may bring about change, alleviate inequality, and enhance the lives of all girls and women—including those who are disabled—if it is successfully applied from urban to rural regions.
“Equality of opportunity for all, particularly for females, is essential to Pakistan’s development. Everyone benefits from investing in girls, according to National Commission on the Status of Women Chair Nilofer Bakhtiar.
Girls and the country as a whole stand to gain from better earnings and greater productivity. We can help females reach their full potential and create a brighter future for them by supporting their leadership.
Adolescent females in Pakistan now confront significant obstacles with regard to their well-being, education, health, and nutrition. For instance, there are almost 19 million child brides in Pakistan.
Furthermore, 54% of teenage females become pregnant before turning 18; this can pose a serious risk to both the mother and the unborn child. The startling 88% of teenage girls live in poverty, which impedes the advancement of the nation.
Millions of kids, mostly girls, deal with terrible obstacles on a daily basis. They often lack access to even the most basic social services, such as healthcare. Early marriage, poverty, and deeply ingrained societal norms lead them to abandon their education, according to Inoussa Kabore, UNICEF’s deputy representative in Pakistan.
“All girls and women would contribute to the economy and aid in Pakistan’s prosperity if they were given the opportunity to work and educate, as is their right. If half of a nation’s population is left behind, no nation can progress. In order to shift the national conversation on this important problem, UNICEF looks forward to collaborating with the government, civil society organizations, communities, girls and women, men and boys.
URAAN, which represents UNICEF’s commitment to gender equality, was unveiled at the event. Its wings stand for more equity in gender-related programs.
The new plan, which has a number of deadline-bound outcomes, reaffirms UNICEF’s dedication to the leadership and welfare of teenage girls.
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