A 15-member delegation from Aawaz II’s Provincial Forum in Punjab held a detailed meeting with the newly appointed Chair of KPCSW, Dr. Sumera Shams. The meeting was arranged by #omarashgarkhanfoundation, the lead partner in KP to #AawazII.

Dr. Shams said that preventing gender-based violence will be one of the priority areas of KPCSW. She highlighted the need for effective legislation and also the importance of ensuring implementation of enabling laws such as the KP Domestic Violence Act. This critical law was passed in 2021 through the efforts of Dr. Shams who at the time was Chair of the Women Parliamentary Caucus and other legislators. Dr. Shams emphasized the need to consider intersectional vulnerabilities faced by women of different abilities and faith. “Aawaz II’s work on GBV and social inclusion aligns well with our efforts to advance the rights of women in all their diversity.”

The delegation from Punjab congratulated Dr. Shams on her appointment and also commended the nomination of other members, ensuring the Commission is fully functional.