Pakistan’s Young Men and Women speak out for Economic and Political Empowerment
Date:
Press Release
Quetta, Balochistan - “We [the youth] need to be empowered through education - quality education - not only in the rural areas but in the urban areas too.”
“Adults have a big role to play in promoting equality between boys and girls, and educating them to succeed in life.”
“With low employment rates, youth need to have their skills developed. How else will they be employed in respectable jobs?”
“The youth are busy; whether doing good or bad they are busy. Our youth have potential, they are active, their brains are working – they are busy on social media. The issue is the system; the political system must work to support the new generation.”
These are some of the issues voiced by young men and women, youth activists and panel members urging leaders at the national, provincial and district levels - to listen, and take action during a youth dialogue held on Tuesday 11 August 2015 (Quetta, Balochistan) in commemorating International Youth Day 2015, under the theme “Youth Civic Engagement.”
The event organized by the Women Development Department of Balochistan, in collaboration with UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, and the Inter-Provincial Ministerial Group on Women’s Empowerment focused on promoting gender equality in economic and political participation of youth.
Today, Pakistan has the largest cohort of young people in its history. As highlighted in Pakistan’s second National Human Development Report 2015 on Youth (launched last month) almost 64% of Pakistan’s population is below the age of 29 (and 31% between 15-29 years of age). This implies that the youth is one of the most important forces that will forge the future of Pakistan. This exceptional “youth bulge” provides an opportunity to invest in and harness the potential of this young generation and lay a strong foundation for the future of Pakistan.
Mr. Jamshed Kazi, Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan, in his welcome address, shared: “The youth of Pakistan are the next generation of ‘gender champions’ to stand up and take action in raising awareness on socio-economic and political inequalities and discrimination faced by women and girls - and men and boys - not only at home, in Pakistan, but across the world.” He said: “The voice of our youth, if properly harnessed, valued, and recognized, has transformative potential for promoting gender equality towards economic progress, political participation, environmental stewardship and social inclusion.”
Ms. Salma Qureshi, Director, Women Development Department, Balochistan in her opening remarks said: “In recognizing youth and the role of youth within the mechanisms of the provincial Gender Equality Frameworks, we will inspire change. Balochistan’s Women Development Department is ensuring the social, economic and political rights of women, by ensuring pro-women laws, legislations and policies work for, and benefit all women across the province.”
Mr. Afzal Sulehri, Director, Youth Affairs, Balochistan informed: “The Provincial Department is working on a youth policy which is expected to be launched very soon in Balochistan. The Department has conducted career counselling sessions in a number of universities across the province and recently 1,250 young men and women have benefitted from international and/or cross-provincial educational exchange programmes.”
Ms. Rahila Durrani, Chief Guest and Member of Provincial Assembly, Balochistan, speaking for the youth of Pakistan said: “The biggest challenge we face is the lack of a youth policy at the provincial level. Parliamentarians must take the initiative in establishing a Youth Commission which includes representation of all the provinces in which we address specific issues faced by the youth across the country.”
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Hashim Nadeem, Secretary, Women’s Development Department, Balochistan urged the discussions on youth empowerment and gender balances not to remain an unreachable vision. The time has come to make this vision a reality, at reachable reality.”
Recommendations from this youth dialogue are being shared with the Inter-Provincial Ministerial Group on Women’s Empowerment for consideration and action.
Participants included youth from Balochistan, parliamentarians, representatives from civil society and local groups, and media.
For more information contact:
Ms. Faria Salman,
Strategic Management and Partnership Officer &
Communications Focal Point for UN Women Pakistan
Email: [ Click to reveal ]