- Advertisement -
PESHAWAR, Jan 08 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) has notified Provincial Girls Education Oversight and Advisory Committee, marking a significant step toward strengthening policy oversight, accountability, and coordinated action for advancing girls’ education across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to a press release issued here on Thursday, the Committee has been constituted in line with provincial commitments under SDG-4 (Quality Education) and aims to ensure that girls’ education remains central to governance, budgeting, and development planning.
The Committee is mandated to provide strategic oversight and guidance on girls’ education initiatives in the province, review enrollment, retention, transition, and completion trends at all levels, monitor policy commitments and budgetary allocations, identify implementation gaps related to infrastructure, teachers, safety, and learning outcomes, and strengthen coordination among government departments, civil society organizations, and development partners.
Through this mandate, the Committee will function as a critical accountability and advisory platform to translate policy commitments into measurable results for girls.
Civil society organizations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have welcomed the notification of the committee as a timely and strategic intervention.
The Rise and Shine Girls Education Leadership Network, appreciated the leadership and institutional commitment demonstrated by Dr. Sumera Shams, Chairperson of KPCSW, in placing girls’ education at the forefront of provincial priorities.
“Girls’ education is not only a right but a powerful driver of women’s empowerment, economic participation, and social transformation.
The formation of this committee creates a formal entry point for sustained advocacy, evidence-based policy engagement, and cross-sectoral coordination,” said Maham Nafees, member Rise & Shine Girls Education Leadership Network.
Similarly, the Child Rights Movement KP described the Committee as a milestone in integrating child rights and gender equality into education governance.
Yumna Aftab, representing Child Rights Movement (CRM)KP, noted, “When girls stay in school, communities thrive.
This Committee can address systemic barriers faced by girls, especially out-of-school girls, by influencing policies, budgets, and implementation frameworks through a rights-based lens.
Civil society organizations also appreciate the Good Governance Roadmap and the efforts of the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in prioritizing education reforms and institutional accountability.”
Dr. Sumera Shams, Chairperson of KPCSW, emphasized the direct correlation between girls’ education and women’s empowerment.
“Educating girls is one of the most effective ways to empower women, reduce inequalities, and promote inclusive development.
Through this Committee, KPCSW aims to ensure that girls’ education policies are not only formulated but effectively implemented, monitored, and improved through collective effort and accountability.
The formation of this provincial advisory committee is a continuation of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s commitment, which has allocated 70 percent of its education development budget towards girls’ education from last 5 years and has undertaken several initiatives to improve gender parity in education,” she stated.
The Girls Education Oversight and Advisory Committee is chaired by Dr. Sumera Shams (Chairperson KPCSW) and includes Ms. Amna Sardar (MPA), Ms. Asia Khattak (Ex-MPA), Ms. Ayesha Naeem (Ex-MPA), Ms. Madiha Nisar (Ex-MPA), Dr. Minhas Majeed (Member KPCSW), Ms. Humaira Nawaz (Member KPCSW), Ms. Naeema Naz (Social Activist), Ms. Hina Rahman (Social Activist), a Representative of the Elementary & Secondary Education Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Qamar Naseem (Representative, Blue Veins), with the Secretary/Director Programs KPCSW serving as Secretary to the Committee, along with provision for co-opted members as required.