Pakistan launches initiative to protect rights of women farmers

On August 3, the Provincial Stakeholder Alliance (PSA) was formed with the aim of empowering women farmers in Punjab province, Pakistan's most populous region. The alliance comprises representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, the bar council, and the media.

Rural women in Pakistan are often overlooked in the development process and face significant challenges, including low wages, malnutrition, discrimination, and exploitation due to patriarchal norms. A study by the Awaz Pakistan Foundation highlights these issues and calls for action from ministries and agencies.

According to Nadeem Ashraf, Punjab representative of the National Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the establishment of the PSA is an important step towards raising awareness about the rights of women farmers. “To ensure the rights of women farmers, we need to work together and take appropriate measures. The PSA aims to promote the empowerment of rural women and contribute to creating positive change,” he emphasized.

The PSA acts as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that the interests of women in agriculture are prioritized in national policies and plans.

The Deputy Minister of Labor and Human Resources of Punjab stated that there is a need to formulate separate policies for agriculture and workers. He emphasized that the Punjab government is undertaking significant reforms in labor laws, including the rationalization, consolidation, and simplification of more than 20 labor laws into a comprehensive Labor Code.

Currently, Pakistan lacks clear laws regulating the working conditions and hours of agricultural workers. The country's parliament is working on new legislation to address these issues, especially for women in the agricultural sector.

Civil society leaders have also urged the Pakistani Parliament to consider and pass laws to protect and enhance the welfare of women agricultural workers in Punjab. The PSA is expected to lobby relevant agencies in Pakistan to increase budgetary allocations to support women in agriculture.