ISLAMABAD – A high-level meeting on Saturday debated the gender roadmap which proposed mainstreaming gender into all national policies, programs, offices and key management processes.

The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar, here in Islamabad. The social sector and devolution members presented the draft gender roadmap which proposed mainstreaming gender into all national policies, programs, offices and key management processes. The roadmap is designed to close the gender gap in education and employment, while enabling young women to generate a substantial SDG dividend which can in turn catalyze Pakistan’s economic growth.

The gender and equality development agenda was considered a national priority by the government. The final gender roadmap is a key product emerging from lengthy iterative national consultations involving the National Youth Council, academics, subject matter experts, national working groups, youth voices from across the country. world, government officials and development partners. Several high impact interventions were discussed to mainstream gender into all key priorities.

High impact strategic intervention packages have been proposed taking into account the challenges to inform conscious investment in closing the gender gap and creating equitable opportunities for women and girls.

Asad Umar highlighted the importance of workplaces that transform gender. He said a policy framework should be developed based on rapid deliberation and research, identifying current barriers faced by women workers in public and private sector organizations. The key recommendations outlined in the framework should not only guide the development of a public sector program, but should also be supported by the legal instruments necessary to make the work environment conducive and progressive for women.

During the meeting, the Minister expressed concern over the growing proportion of out-of-school children as a result of the pandemic globally as well as in Pakistan, sharing the government’s intention to address this challenge as national priority.

He stressed the need to harness the experiences of online schools from the pandemic and use COVID-19 as an opportunity to introduce innovative electronic solutions, online schools and accelerated learning programs to reach children. out of school.

When reviewing the proposed innovative job creation and skills building strategies, the Minister advised that they be considered in tandem with existing interventions under the Kamyab Jawan program in order to consolidate efforts and resources. under one roof for maximum impact. The importance of dedicated transport facilities for young women was emphasized for access to education and employment opportunities. He hoped that a comprehensive proposal would be presented in this regard in the coming week.