Women Leading Sustainable Development: Addressing SDGs and Beyond

Islamabad, (): Leading voices from Pakistan’s political and social landscape gathered to discuss the crucial contributions of women to policy reforms, social welfare, and the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The critical role of women in advancing sustainable development took center stage during the thematic session, "Women Leading Sustainable Development: Addressing SDGs and Beyond," held at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)'s 27th Sustainable Development Conference 2024 under the theme "From Fragility to Resilience".

Dr. Fareeha Armughan, Research Fellow, SDPI, opened the session by underscoring the transformative impact of women leaders across various sectors such as education, governance, and economic development.

She stressed that women are vital in overcoming systemic barriers, reshaping power dynamics, and fostering collaboration for sustainable solutions.

“Our panel today showcases women who have overcome traditional limitations, actively supporting sustainable development and reshaping power dynamics in society,” Dr. Armughan noted.

Dr. Nafisa Shah, Member of National Assembly (MNA) from Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), spoke about the legacy of women leaders, starting with a tribute to the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was a pioneer of social development in Pakistan. Dr. Shah highlighted the work of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus in advancing gender rights, such as the 2010 Anti-Sexual Harassment Law and the establishment of a Human Rights Commission. “When women leaders unite across party lines, they prioritize social welfare, championing the rights of the people they represent,” Dr. Shah affirmed, urging continued cross-party collaboration to address gender inequality and meet Pakistan’s SDG commitments.

Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, MNA of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), emphasized the importance of women’s inclusion in decision-making processes for the nation’s sustainable progress. Drawing from Margaret Thatcher’s quote, she remarked that women leaders bring action-oriented perspectives to policy-making. Reflecting on the achievements of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, particularly in advancing laws for women with disabilities and transgender rights, Ms. Pervaiz called for more direct parliamentary seats for women and greater involvement of women at all levels of governance. “Our progress may be gradual, but it is real,” she stated, stressing that inclusive governance is essential for effective sustainable development.

Ms. Farzana Yaqoob, Former Minister from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), commended SDPI for keeping sustainable development at the forefront of national policy debates. She highlighted AJK’s strong literacy rates and how they contribute to women’s empowerment and accountability. Ms. Yaqoob also called for increased support for women in entrepreneurship and technology sectors. “We need more women entrepreneurs breaking into diverse fields beyond traditional sectors,” she stated, stressing the importance of targeted support to help women overcome barriers to accessing capital and advancing climate resilience.

Dr. Zeba Sathar, Country Director of the Population Council, concluded the session with a stark call to action, urging Pakistan to accelerate its efforts toward achieving the SDGs by the 2030 deadline. She expressed concern over Pakistan’s rapid population growth, which places increasing strain on resources, and the high unmet need for family planning services. “We need a group of dedicated leaders to prioritize human development and set an example for sustainable progress,” Dr. Sathar said. Citing successful case studies from countries like Nepal and Malawi, she encouraged Pakistani leaders to adopt similar commitments to achieving sustainable development goals.

The session provided invaluable insights into the integral role of women in driving sustainable development, emphasizing the need for continued investment in women’s leadership, social progress, and legislative advocacy to achieve lasting change. The discussions reinforced the collective responsibility to integrate women’s contributions into national strategies for sustainable development.