Dera Ismail Khan , Aug 23 (APP):An important coordination meeting was held under the auspices of the District Committee on the Status of Women (DCSW), Dera Ismail Khan, with the participation of focal persons from various government departments, including the Population Welfare Department, Police, Education Department and Local Government. The meeting was chaired by Humaira Nawaz, Chairperson DCSW, DIKhan. The meeting focused on strengthening mutual cooperation and effective coordination among …
Joint departmental efforts planned to promote women’s rights and protection in DIKhan
Dera Ismail Khan , Aug 23 (APP):An important coordination meeting was held under the auspices of the District Committee on the Status of Women (DCSW), Dera Ismail Khan, with the participation of focal persons from various government departments, including the Population Welfare Department, Police, Education Department and Local Government.
The meeting was chaired by Humaira Nawaz, Chairperson DCSW, DIKhan. The meeting focused on strengthening mutual cooperation and effective coordination among the concerned departments and taking joint measures for the timely resolution of issues faced by the public, particularly women and girls.
Addressing the participants, Humaira Nawaz highlighted the role and mandate of the DCSW and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to promote and protect women’s rights at the district level. She said effective coordination among departments could help women and girls gain better access to information, legal protection, health facilities and available support services.
She emphasized the importance of organizing awareness activities at educational institutions and community level, saying that greater awareness about legal rights and institutional support mechanisms could enable women and girls to make informed decisions and seek timely assistance.
The participants discussed various issues concerning women and girls, including protection from harassment, legal rights, health-related matters, mental health, police procedures, reporting mechanisms and available support services.
Special attention was given to mental health awareness, particularly anxiety, depression and stress among women and girls. Participants stressed the need to involve relevant mental health professionals in awareness sessions, while the role of the Health Department in addressing health-related issues was also highlighted.
The meeting also discussed the need to educate women and students about police procedures, registration of First Information Reports (FIRs), complaint mechanisms and the assistance available through the Police Department. Participants agreed that dedicated awareness sessions by police officials could help remove misconceptions and improve understanding of legal procedures.
Awareness regarding the Bolo Helpline was also identified as an important area. Participants stressed the need to inform women and students about the purpose of the helpline, services available through it and the procedure for accessing assistance when required.
The participants further emphasized the importance of awareness about the Nikah Nama, particularly among young women and students. It was observed that women should understand the terms, conditions and legal implications of the Nikah Nama and be aware of their rights before and at the time of marriage.
It was decided that awareness seminars would be organized in colleges across Dera Ismail Khan to educate students about women’s rights, protection from harassment, legal remedies, health and mental well-being and available support services. Relevant departments would participate as resource partners according to the subject of each session.
The Police Department would be requested to conduct dedicated awareness sessions on police procedures, FIR registration, reporting mechanisms and assistance available to women and girls. Similarly, the Health Department would arrange awareness sessions on important health-related issues with the participation of doctors and relevant focal persons.
Dedicated sessions on the Bolo Helpline and Nikah Nama would also be arranged to improve awareness among women and students regarding available support mechanisms, legal rights and relevant procedures.
The departmental focal persons agreed to facilitate coordination between their respective departments and DCSW, identify suitable resource persons, provide technical input and assist in organizing awareness sessions and seminars.
Humaira Nawaz appreciated the participation and cooperation of the departmental focal persons and reiterated DCSW’s commitment to working closely with all concerned departments for the empowerment and protection of women and girls.
She said sustained and coordinated awareness efforts could help women and girls understand their rights, make informed decisions and access appropriate support and services whenever required.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen coordination among the concerned departments and take forward the proposed awareness activities through joint efforts for the welfare, protection and empowerment of women and girls in the district.
