Pakistani women highlight access to justice at UN rights forum

NEW YORK: At the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) this week, Pakistani representatives brought focus to the issue of women's access to justice, contributing to an ongoing global discussion on gender equality.

During the General Debate, Senator Bushra Anjum delivered remarks on behalf of Asifa Bhutto Zardari. She emphasized that ensuring access to justice for women requires more than just formal declarations, stating that it necessitates institutional reforms, increased representation within justice systems, and the removal of structural barriers that hinder women's rights.

Senator Anjum invoked the words of former prime minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, quoting, “the discrimination against women can only begin to erode when women are empowered to claim their rights.”

She outlined Pakistan’s current legal framework designed to support women, mentioning the establishment of over 480 specialized Gender-Based Violence Courts, as well as the presence of legal aid mechanisms, family courts, ombudsperson institutions, and integrated protection services. These measures, she said, aim to provide effective remedies for women facing discrimination and violence.

The participation of Pakistani voices at the forum underscored the country's ongoing efforts to address gender-based challenges and highlighted the importance of institutional support in advancing women's rights. The session brought together representatives from various countries to discuss progress and challenges related to gender equality and the empowerment of women globally.