LONDON: Senator Sherry Rehman, Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party and Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, delivered a keynote address at the UK Forum on Cultural Diplomacy at the House of Lords, focusing on the role of women in politics. She urged the need for moving beyond mere celebration to implementing real structural changes to support women's participation in political systems globally.
Senator Rehman highlighted the transformative impact women have when they enter political spaces. She noted that women leaders often prioritize collaboration and inclusivity, citing the example of female-led countries during the COVID-19 pandemic that generally experienced better outcomes.
Reflecting on the legacy of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Rehman emphasized the ongoing struggle for women's rights, questioning why women are still defending gains made decades ago. She warned of the erosion of rights as global conflicts increase and multilateral efforts weaken.
In Pakistan, Rehman praised the contributions of women parliamentarians, who despite being only 17% of the legislature, were responsible for nearly half of the parliamentary business last year. She shared her legislative experiences, highlighting key bills that have advanced women's rights and participation.
Rehman also celebrated Pakistan's gender-sensitive social protection initiatives, such as the Benazir Income Support Programme, which has empowered over 2 million women through direct cash transfers and ownership in climate-resilient housing.
However, she expressed concern over the rising harassment faced by women lawmakers worldwide, with a significant number experiencing threats and abuse, particularly online. Rehman called for building alliances and solidarity to combat structural exclusion and ensure women's voices are heard.
In her conclusion, Rehman stressed that achieving change requires political stamina and solidarity, urging continued efforts to dismantle misogyny and support women's leadership across the globe.