Conference successfully organized by TI Pakistan

LAHORE: Transparency International Pakistan (TI Pakistan) successfully hosted the “Provincial Punjab Conference on Tackling Corruption to Enhance Gender Equality” at Avari Hotel. The event brought together renowned experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives to discuss and strategize ways to empower women in the fight against corruption and promote gender equality. Kashif Ali, Executive Director TI Pakistan, provided opening remarks and emphasized on the relationship between gender and corruption. He highlighted that corruption hits the poor and vulnerable groups the hardest. He argued that the gendered impact of corruption at the point of service delivery is more conspicuous. As women tend to have a weaker voice to demand accountability, they can also become easier targets for corruption. He emphasized that mainstreaming gender into anticorruption programmes is crucial and emphasized on the need for gender sensitive reporting mechanisms. One of the key sessions at the conference featured Mr. Mehboob Qadir Shah, Chief Information Commissioner of the Punjab Information Commission, who discussed the Punjab Right to Information Act 2013, shedding light on how access to information can empower citizens to hold authorities accountable. He shared success stories where PIC has upheld citizens right to access information. Saadia Sabir, Senior Program Officer at the US Institute of Peace (USIP) Pakistan, shared valuable insights into enhancing women’s participation in decision-making processes through gender-responsive laws, policies, and practices. She emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment for women in governance systems. Ashfaque Ahmed, Project Coordinator at TI Pakistan, introduced the audience to the Protection of Women Rights and Access to Justice through TI Pakistan Legal Advice Centre. He emphasized the critical role of legal support in safeguarding women’s rights. Ms. Ammara Athar, AIG Administration, Punjab Police, Government of Punjab, discussed the vital role of Punjab Police in protecting the rights of women and ensuring their safety in society. She highlighted different initiatives taken by Punjab police including Tahafuz Centres to protect the rights of the citizens. The conference also featured SSP Makhdoom Qaiser Bashir of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Punjab, who provided an overview of FIA’s role in the fight against corruption. Shahzad Ashraf from UN Women, Punjab, focused on the protection of women’s rights and their participation in the political process, shedding light on UN Women’s efforts in Punjab. Ms. Bushra Khaliq, Executive Director of Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE), shared inspirational stories and insights about women’s empowerment. The event concluded with an engaging open discussion and concluding remarks by Dr. Nausheen Wasi, Board of Trustee, TI Pakistan. She highlighted keey points to mitigate the gendered impact of corruption and promote public policies that address both gender inequities and corruption. The “Provincial Punjab Conference on Tackling Corruption to Enhance Gender Equality” was a resounding success, fostering meaningful dialogue and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders in the fight for gender equality and the eradication of corruption