LHDP, Indus Consortium and Oxfam Pakistan jointly organizes Women’s Assembly in Badin

Urdu Today, Badin

The Laar Humanitarian and Development Program, Indus Consortium and Oxfam Pakistan jointly organized Women’s Assembly in Gymkhana hall here on Tuesday. The event was participated by number of community women, government stakeholders, CSOs, Bar members, women leaders and reputable figures. While addressing Senator Dr Khalida Sikandar Mandhro, Pushpa Kumari, ASP Majida Halepoto, Marvi Aiwan, Kanwal, Makkal Shah, Marvi Abida Samoon, Advocate Ram Kolhi, Tanveer Ahmed Arain, Samina Hyder, Sawan Khaskheli and others said government must cater to the need of women in case of emergencies. They said the disaster of 2022, affected more than 38 percent of Pakistan while millions of people were displaced including of those 75 thousand pregnant women, most of them given birth to newborn babies in unhealthy environment of camps. The speakers said government of Sindh must ponder women specific issues at makeshift places simultaneously, providing emergency response. They said during torrential rains, various challenges were sustained by women in accessing relief and rehabilitation services. The speakers said empowering women and promoting gender inclusive disaster risk management has a significant role to minimize disaster impacts on women. Mr Iqbal Hyder, Executive Director, emphasized that preparedness is incomplete till it is not catering to the needs of vulnerable groups in all phases of emergencies. He said government must give ownership of newly constructed homes to women so that those women could be empowered. The testimonies of of affected women were also presented in the assembly. The key highlight of the Women’s Assembly was the enthusiastic endorsement of the Charter of Demands by attendees. While Sindh Declaration document received resounding endorsement through signing of signature board by the participant.