At the National Learning Event celebrating the success of the Aawaz II Programme, Ume-Laila Azhar, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women Islamabad, chaired a panel focused on preventing child marriage and protecting children.
In her remarks she called for a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to end child marriage, stressing the importance of institutional strengthening and policy coherence that reach across ministries and local authorities. She highlighted that sustained change requires transformation of social norms alongside robust legislative measures.
Azhar underlined the need for multi-sectoral coordination and capacity building of law enforcement and child protection systems to ensure timely response and prevention. She also urged consistent legal frameworks across provinces so that protections for children are clear and enforceable nationwide.
The National Commission on the Status of Women Islamabad expressed appreciation for the partners, organisers and stakeholders who supported the Aawaz II Programme and participated in the National Learning Event. Azhar praised their commitment to safeguarding children and advancing gender equality in Pakistan.
As Chairperson of NCSW she reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to work for the rights and empowerment of women and girls in close partnership with government, civil society and development partners to build a safer and more inclusive future for all.
