Global Rice News

The formation of the Provincial Stakeholders Alliance (PSA) has marked a significant milestone for the rights and empowerment of Women Agricultural Workers in Pakistan. The alliance, which consists of representatives from various stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, bar council, and the media, aims to address the issues faced by rural women in the agriculture sector.

Women agricultural workers in Pakistan often face challenges such as lower wages, malnutrition, discrimination, and exploitation due to patriarchal norms. These issues were highlighted in a research report titled ‘The Hands that Feed Us: Struggles of Women Agricultural Workers in Pakistan’ produced by Awaz Foundation Pakistan: Centre for Development Services, NARI Foundation, and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA).

The event held to establish the PSA was a crucial step in addressing the concerns raised in the research report. The platform aims to empower women agricultural workers by bringing together various stakeholders who are committed to creating positive change. Notable individuals, who provided valuable insights and expressed their commitment to the cause, played a crucial role in shaping the discussions.

During the event, Iqbal Ahmed Detho, the chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the rights of women agricultural workers. He highlighted the need for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the empowerment and well-being of these women, stating that the appropriate measures must be put in place.

Zia ur Rehman, Chief Executive of AwazCDS-Pakistan, introduced the project and the purpose of the PSA, stating that the platform aims to be a catalyst for positive change. Its goal is to prioritize and protect the rights and empowerment of women agricultural workers by ensuring the passage of rules of business and the implementation of The Sindh Women Agricultural Workers Act 2019.

In the concluding remarks, Omar Dawoodjee, Director (Operations and Resource Mobilization FORUM-ASIA), shared that they are working with their partners to build the capacity of government officials, marginalized communities, and civil society. This capacity building is aimed at bringing about positive changes in the lives of women agricultural workers.

By establishing the Provincial Stakeholders Alliance, Pakistan is taking a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by women agricultural workers in the country. Through collaboration and concerted efforts, it is hoped that the rights and empowerment of these women will be prioritized and protected.

Source: [The News](https://www.thenews.com.pk)