INTRODUCTION
- In 2009, a significant development was witnessed in the province of Balochistan when the Women Development Department was bifurcated from the Social Welfare Department. Subsequently, in 2011, the department was granted its own full-fledged directorate. This marked a crucial step towards achieving gender equality, equity, and women empowerment in Balochistan.
- The mandate of the Women Development Department was designed with a specific objective of addressing the pressing issues of women in the province. The department aims to create an enabling environment for women to participate actively in various spheres of life, including economic, social, and political domains. It endeavors to empower women by providing them with opportunities to enhance their skills and abilities, promote their leadership qualities, and increase their access to resources and services.
- The Women Development Department also endeavors to ensure that women are able to exercise their rights without fear of discrimination, violence, or exploitation. The department has been proactive in creating awareness about women’s rights and the laws that protect them. It has also established mechanisms to respond to cases of violence against women and provide support to victims.
- Through its various initiatives and programs, the Women Development Department has been able to bring about a positive change in the lives of women in Balochistan. It has been successful in creating a network of empowered women who are playing an active role in shaping the future of the province. The department’s efforts have not only benefited women but have also contributed to the overall development of the province.
- The establishment of the Women Development Department and its subsequent elevation to a full-fledged directorate has been a significant step towards promoting gender equality, equity, and women empowerment in Balochistan. The department’s mandate to address the issues faced by women has been instrumental in creating a conducive environment for women to thrive and play an active role in various domains of life.
Mahjabeen Sheeran
Parliamentary Secretary
Syed Sikandar Shah
Secretary
Departmental Functions
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Formulation of policies, schemes, plans and programs for socioeconomic development of women.
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To organize trainings/seminars and workshops etc. for women.
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To conduct surveys and explore links between indigenous craft producers and market-places, without a middleman.
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To develop cottage-industry for employment of women at urban and rural areas.
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To design umbrella projects for protection and shelter for women at district-level.
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To register and provide assistance to women organizations as well as register women NGOs.
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To create awareness regarding commitments to nationally and internationally recognized women’s rights.
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To establish and keep data-base of all Civil Society Organizations working for women’s rights and gender-equality within the province at all levels.
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To ensure positive interaction with all women-related organizations within the province at all levels.
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To establish relief organizations for women in distress and victims of violence of all kinds.
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Enforcement of the Protection against Harassment of women at the Workplace Act, 2010.
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Elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women.
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All Service matters of the employees of the attached Departments, which do not include employees of the Secretariat and except those matters entrusted to Services and General Administration Department or to any other Department.
Objectives
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To work for social, cultural, economic and legal empowerment of women.
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To work as a catalyst, lobbyist and influencer.
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To implement National/International policies/commitments.
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To deliver services.
Noor Jahan Mengal
Provincial Ombudsperson
Protection against Harassment of
Women at workplace
Shazia Riaz
Director
Women Development Department
