PAKISTAN: UN Gender Entity: A Ray of Hope

In spite of advances, discrimination against women persists in laws and in practice. Many women suffer numerous forms of discrimination and limited access to rights, resources and opportunities. This is a moment to celebrate but, simultaneously, a time to mourn for women. Celebrate, for finding a better place and entity in the bureaucratic system of the UN. Mourn because more than 60 women have lost their lives in the name of honour only in Sindh this year. We are living in a world that is advanced and digitally connected to everyone but recent studies have shown that the number of deaths and disabilities due to violence against women are higher than those caused by severe diseases, wars and accidents. Women who experience violence suffer a range of health problems, and their ability to participate in public life is diminished.

Women all over the world are rejoicing at the creation of a separate gender entity for them, through eliminating various UN agencies working with different organisations but having no or minimal effect in regions where a lot of work and presence is required. Worldwide, women are typically paid less, and have less secure employment than men, and their wages are 17 percent less than those of men.

Over the last decade, access to education has increased globally for girls at all levels. In 2008, there were 96 girls for every 100 boys in primary schools, and 95 girls for every 100 boys in secondary schools. In 1999, the ratios were 91 girls to 100 boys in primary education and 88 girls to 100 boys at the secondary level. Women account for nearly two-thirds of the 776 million illiterate adults in the world. Violence against women has become a priority in many countries, to be addressed through education, but it still remains a global pandemic.

Creation of this new entity has taken over the already existing UN system for women that includes United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), Secretary Generals Special Advisor on Gender Issues (OSAGI) and Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW). The efforts of these agencies and the women's movement had some everlasting impacts leading to the fact that, globally, women held 19.1 percent of seats in single/lower chambers of parliament in May 2010, compared to 11.3 percent in 1995 and 28 countries have already achieved the 30 percent target for women in decision-making positions set in the early 1990s, while 15 heads of state or government were women until early this year.

In spite of advances, discrimination against women persists in laws and in practice. Many women suffer numerous forms of discrimination and limited access to rights, resources and opportunities. There are specific laws, which stipulate protection of women. However, the effective implementation and enforcement of these laws remains an issue.

Pakistan was the co-chair of the panel that worked to reform the current UN system and this was supported mainly by civil society organisations all over the globe, especially in South Asia since early 2006.

Rozan, a non-governmental organisation, led the campaign for a separate, independent and financial viable UN entity in Pakistan along with other organisations such as Shirkat Gah, Aurat Foundation, SPO, Simorgh, Sach, Sungi, etc. This comprised a signature campaign throughout the South Asian region with the partnership of the media. Lobbying within respective governments was pursued until finally a decision was made at the highest level during the 54th session of the UN general assembly in March 2010.

Shabana Arif, an Islamabad-based civil society activist who participated in the campaign as well as in the 54th session of the UN in New York was jubilant on the formation of the UN entity. She says that this will pave the way for the accomplishment of goals for gender equality in letter and spirit.

The media in Pakistan can play a very significant role in creating awareness on this issue amongst the population. The media organisations are also advised to make efforts to increase participation of women in decision-making in their own bodies and also highlight women-related issues in their reports. According to a recent survey, only 24 percent of the individuals that are heard, seen or read about in the media are women, whereas only 16 percent of all stories focus specifically on women. The media, therefore, needs to become a leader in this cause for mainstreaming of gender-related issues, since within its structure globally, almost 48 percent of all news stories reinforce gender stereotypes, while only eight percent of news stories challenge these stereotypes.

The UN, by creating the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (or UN Women), will give a new impetus to the UN system for support to member states in advancing the rights and priorities for women. The UN Women will be a dynamic and strong champion for gender equality, empowerment of women, and provide a powerful voice to women and girls worldwide.

This year is an important time to reflect on progress, as it marks the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the Fourth World Conference on Women 1995, and the 10th anniversary of the Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.

It is expected that the UN Women will work for the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, peace and security and would bring a qualitative change in the lives of 51 percent of the population of the world.