Farhatullah Babar, a prominent leader of a political party, has drawn attention to a pressing concern within Pakistan – an alarming estimate of 11 million women remain without digital registration, depriving them of their right to vote. Moreover, an astonishing 17 million women abstained from voting in the 2018 general elections.
This issue of digital exclusion extends to approximately 2.6 million women in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, denying them access to National Identity Cards (NICs) and consequently limiting their participation in critical socio-political and economic spheres. The absence of NICs translates to a denial of essential public services such as education, healthcare, and social safety nets for these marginalized women.
In a significant event titled the ‘Digitalization & Women in Pakistan’ conference, jointly organized by the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), UN Women, UNFPA, and other stakeholders, Farhatullah Babar emphasized the pivotal role of digital registration in propelling the country’s economic advancement. An ID card, beyond its practical benefits, safeguards fundamental rights impartially while providing access to public resources and services.
Distinguished speakers at the conference underscored the necessity of gathering digital data through a consultative process involving not only public and private sectors but also civil society, academia, media, and think tanks. Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson of NCSW, accentuated the imperative of advancing both women and the nation collectively. Senator Seemi Ezdi highlighted the need for a cohesive vision in devising policies and guidelines concerning digital literacy for women and girls.
This conference witnessed the participation of representatives from provincial departments, who crafted policy frameworks according to the ‘Digitalization & Women in Pakistan’ report for various regions, encompassing Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, a revised iteration of the Child Marriage Restraint Act was unveiled with a pledge to pass the bill before the current assembly’s dissolution.
The importance of digital registration for women transcends mere convenience; it is intrinsically tied to safeguarding their rights and ensuring their participation in the nation’s development. The absence of such registration perpetuates the marginalization of countless women, preventing them from engaging in politics, education, and healthcare decisions.
The ‘Digitalization & Women in Pakistan’ conference served as a platform that united policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to spotlight this pressing gender disparity. It underscored the significance of a comprehensive approach to digital registration, involving all sectors of society – public and private, civil society, academia, media, and think tanks. This collaborative endeavor seeks to formulate policies that address the multifaceted challenges faced by women across Pakistan.
Empowering women through digital registration yields benefits that extend beyond individuals, catalyzing economic growth and prosperity. When provided with equal access to resources and opportunities, women can play a pivotal role in the nation’s development. By nurturing digital literacy and imparting essential skills, Pakistan can tap into the vast potential of women, fostering inclusivity and a more prosperous society.
The conference’s commitment to passing the revised Child Marriage Restraint Act underscores its dedication to confronting gender-based issues head-on. This step reflects Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to establish a safer environment where women can thrive.
The ‘Digitalization & Women in Pakistan’ conference has cast a spotlight on the urgent need to bridge the digital gender gap. By advocating for digital registration and facilitating NIC access, women can take an active role in shaping the nation’s trajectory, thereby promoting gender equality, development, and progress.
