KPCSW moves to strengthen inclusion of older women in govt policies, public services

PESHAWAR, Oct 05 (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) has moved to strengthen the inclusion of older women in government policies, programs and public services, with the initiative receiving appreciation from community members and civil society organizations working on aging and women’s rights.

The action coincides with the International Day of Older Persons, observed on October 1 under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlighting the need to adapt policies and public systems to ensure dignity, security and participation in later life.

KPCSW has written to provincial administrative departments, drawing attention to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senior Citizens Act, 2014, and asking them to ensure older women are not left behind.

Departments have been asked to integrate older women’s needs into policies, programmes and budgets; address age- and gender-related barriers; provide priority counters, seating and assistance at hospitals and public service points; improve access to healthcare; maintain age- and gender-sensitive services; and assist older women facing literacy, mobility and digital-access barriers.

Dr Sumera Shams, Chairperson KPCSW, said gender equality must be addressed throughout the life cycle. Women do not stop having rights when they grow older. Longer lives must be accompanied by dignity, security, accessibility and meaningful participation. Public institutions must recognise the specific realities of older women and ensure their inclusion in policies, budgets and services,” she said.

Shazia Atta, Secretary KPCSW, said inclusion must be visible in women’s everyday interaction with public institutions.An older woman approaching a hospital or government office should be able to access services with dignity and receive the assistance she needs. Age, mobility, literacy or difficulties with digital systems should not become barriers to public services,” she said.

The initiative has been widely appreciated by civil society and community representatives, who said it could help shift ageing from being viewed primarily as a welfare concern towards an issue of rights, inclusion and accountable governance.

Qamar Naseem, Programme Manager at Blue Veins, which has supported the establishment of Senior Citizens Forums in Peshawar and Charsadda, said Self-Representation was critical to achieving lasting change. The strongest campaigning is when older persons speak for themselves. Our experience with Senior Citizens Forums shows that when older women and men understand their rights, identify their priorities and engage directly with public institutions, they become active participants in decisions affecting their lives,” he said.

Civil society representatives hoped the KPCSW initiative would translate into more accessible services, responsive policies and budgets, while strengthening the participation of older women in decisions affecting their lives.