Sindh cabinet approves equal wages and maternity benefits for women farm workers

KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval to the Sindh Agriculture Women Workers Rules, a move aimed at ensuring equal pay and improved working conditions for women employed in the province's agricultural sector.

Addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the newly approved rules will guarantee equal wages for women farm workers and provide them with maternity facilities. He highlighted that this is the first time such comprehensive measures are being introduced in Pakistan to safeguard the rights of women in agriculture.

According to Memon, the rules also include legal provisions designed to protect women from harassment and discrimination in the workplace. He emphasized the government's responsibility to empower women and ensure their complete protection, noting, "no work at this level has been done for women before."

In addition to the rules, the cabinet approved the issuance of the Benazir Women Agriculture Workers Card, which is expected to facilitate access to the newly established benefits. An endowment fund of Rs 500 million will also be set up to support the welfare of women agricultural workers.

The cabinet's decisions mark a significant step towards addressing gender disparities in the agricultural workforce, with the aim of improving both economic and social conditions for women laborers across Sindh.

Minister Memon reiterated the provincial government's commitment to advancing women's rights, stating that it is the government's duty to empower women and provide them with comprehensive protection in the workplace.