Press Statement by Dr. Luay Shabaneh,UNFPA Representative in Pakistan
On International Women’s Day, we reflect on the resilience, leadership, and contributions of women and girls in Pakistan and around the world. This year’s theme, Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls reminds us that investing in the rights, health, education, and opportunities of women and girls benefits entire families, communities, and nations. When women thrive, society thrives.
This day comes at a time of profound challenges. Across Pakistan, the wider region—including Afghanistan, Iran, Palestine, Arab Gulf States, and other parts of the Arab world—and globally, many women and girls continue to bear the devastating impacts of conflict, displacement, and insecurity. Even outside conflict zones, too many women still face barriers to justice, health services, education, and fundamental rights. We must recognize that when maternal health facilities close or supply chains are interrupted, it constitutes reproductive violence – a grave violation of fundamental rights.
Gender-based violence, harmful practices, and lack of access to sexual and reproductive health care remain critical obstacles to safety, dignity, and well-being. In Pakistan, where one in three women experiences gender-based violence, the path to justice remains obstructed; over half of survivors choose silence over reporting due to systemic barriers. True justice for women and girls goes beyond papers and laws; it requires survivor-centred institutions that protect dignity and address modern threats like technology-facilitated violence.
In Pakistan, women and girls are at the heart of families, communities, and national development. They lead change as health workers, teachers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and advocates for equality. Their courage, determination, and leadership inspire progress and accountability across the country.
UNFPA stands with the Government of Pakistan, civil society, and communities to ensure that every woman and girl can exercise her rights, access essential services, live free from violence, and realize her full potential. Our commitment is clear: a world in which every pregnancy wanted, every childbirth safe, and every young person’s potential fulfilled.
On this International Women’s Day, let us turn the promise of rights and justice for all women and girls into action by investing in women and girls, protecting their rights, and ensuring equal access to justice, services, and opportunities. Because when women and girls succeed, Pakistan and the world thrive.
