Advocacy and Lobbying

Throughout its history, Pakistan has grappled with enduring patriarchal norms and cultural customs that confine women to the domestic sphere, obstructing their engagement in broader societal roles. These malpractices have translated into systemic impediments that create a challenging environment for women seeking to enter the political arena. These experiences are further exacerbated based on their identities, amplifying the challenges women face in their pursuit of political participation in Pakistan.

UNITED NATIONS 25 September 2024 (IDN) — The first eight months of 2024—described as a “super election year”—have seen limited progress in women’s representation in parliaments worldwide.

On March 14, 2024, rural women from communities in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria expressed concerns over women’s low inclusion in politics. The women lamented neglect and financial constraints as problems in assessing political and leadership positions. The outcome of the 2023 general elections is evidence of low women’s political leadership representation. The low participation of women in political leadership results in less development for the nation since not all capable human resources are utilised.

Afghan women earned the right to vote more than a century ago. Today, under Taliban rule, they are practically erased from public life and even banned from singing. 

These were just some of the chilling observations and testimony from Afghan women, together with supporters from around the world, who convened at UN Headquarters on Monday to discuss inclusion and women’s rights going forward.

Remarks delivered by UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous at the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly Platform of Women Leaders, during the high-level segment of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, 24 September 2024.

In a groundbreaking event, delegates from Europe and Central Asia committed to accelerating progress on gender equality and making the lives of women and girls across this region better. The international conference “Charting the Future 30 Years after Beijing: Effective Institutional Mechanisms for the Advancement of Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment” brought together over 80 officials from across Europe, Central Asia, and beyond¹.

New York, 24 September 2024 - Since 2014, HeForShe has bolstered a global movement, engaging more than 2 million men and individuals of all genders in championing gender equality. This unique initiative, led by UN Women, has driven 3 billion conversations on topics ranging from closing the pay gap to combating violence against women, reaching more than 36 million people in 2023 alone, including those in crisis-affected areas.