Dr. Sumera Shams, Chairperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW), represented the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Convened under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the session brought together global leaders, policymakers, civil society representatives, and advocates to accelerate progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
During the session, Dr. Shams actively participated in multiple high-level discussions and side events as a panel speaker. She highlighted the significant strides made by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in promoting women’s rights, including pro-women legislative reforms, implementation of the Women Empowerment Policy, and institutional mechanisms to ensure protection, participation, and equal opportunities for women across the province.
In her remarks, she emphasized the vital role of women in governance, peacebuilding, and socio-economic development. She also called for stronger global and national commitments to address persistent gender gaps, particularly in access to justice, economic inclusion, and leadership opportunities.
Dr. Sumera Shams further raised concerns at international forums regarding the growing trend of political victimization of women. She drew attention to the challenges faced by women associated with political leadership, specifically highlighting the denial of basic rights and access to justice in the case of the wife and sisters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. She urged the international community to uphold principles of justice, dignity, and equal protection under the law for all women, regardless of political affiliation.
Reaffirming the province’s commitment, Dr. Sumera Shams stated that sustainable development and democratic resilience are closely linked to the empowerment and protection of women’s rights.
Her participation at CSW70 reflects Pakistan’s continued engagement with global frameworks and underscores Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s resolve to translate commitments into meaningful action for women and girls.
Other participants in the delegation from Pakistan at the session included Senator Bushra Butt, Federal Secretary for Human Rights Khalid Sheikh, Federal Director Human Rights Dr. Arif, and Chairperson of the Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women, Kiran Baloch.