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PESHAWAR, Oct 29 (APP):The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW), organized a “Training and Sensitization Session of the Women Advisory Group (WAG)” here at a local hotel, under the project Rights-Based Community Stabilization in District Khyber.
The session aimed to enhance women’s participation in peace building, social cohesion, and community resilience.
It provided orientation to newly formed WAG members on their roles, responsibilities, and the project’s broader objectives focused on inclusion, stability, and gender equality.
In her opening remarks, Rukhshanda Naz, Former Provincial Ombudsperson KP and Co-Chairperson of the Women Advisory Group, emphasized that women’s meaningful engagement is essential for sustainable peace and inclusive governance.
She announced plans to convene a Women Aman Jirga in District Khyber to promote dialogue, inclusion, and women’s leadership at the community level.
The Women Advisory Group includes members from diverse fields such as politics, social activism, education, law, and digital media, along with representatives from organizations providing legal aid, psychosocial support, and economic opportunities.
The WAG will play a key role in strengthening the Gender Desk established by UNDP and KPCSW in District Khyber.
Uzma Mehboob, Youth and Community Engagement Consultant, encouraged active collaboration among WAG members to ensure women’s representation in community decision-making.
Ejaz Khan, Project Officer, UNDP Rights-Based Community Stabilization Project, shared updates on the new phase Khyber-II, which integrates mental health support, vocational training, and gender mainstreaming to build community stability and resilience.
The training featured sessions on women’s rights, access to justice, psychosocial well-being, and women’s role in peace building.
Amna Durrani, Director Programmes at KPCSW, discussed the challenges women face in accessing justice, while Rabia Fayaz from the University of Peshawar highlighted the link between psychosocial support and conflict prevention.
Participants developed an Engagement Plan outlining how WAG members will contribute to project implementation, community outreach, and monitoring of future interventions.
In her closing remarks, Sumera Shams, Chairperson of KPCSW and WAG, commended the participants’ active involvement and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to strengthening women-led structures for peace and resilience.
She noted that WAG serves as a vital platform for promoting dialogue, gender equality, and community development while bridging communities, stakeholders, and government institutions.
The session marked a renewed step toward empowering women as leaders of change, advancing equality, stability, and community well-being in District Khyber.