Virtual Focus Group Discussion Held on Gender Analysis of the National Assembly

Islamabad, April 29, 2026 — The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) of the National Assembly Secretariat convened a virtual Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as part of its ongoing Gender Analysis of the National Assembly, in collaboration with UN Women under EU Funded PWL Project.

The session, held online and chaired by Secretary WPC, Dr. Shahida Rehmani, brought together Members of Parliament to engage in a constructive dialogue on gender equality, participation, and institutional practices within Parliament.

The FGD forms a key component of a broader gender analysis aimed at assessing institutional structures, policies, and processes of the National Assembly from a gender perspective. The initiative seeks to identify both barriers and enabling factors affecting women’s meaningful participation in legislative and decision-making roles, and to generate evidence-based recommendations for strengthening gender-responsive governance.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Shahida Rehmani emphasized the importance of inclusive parliamentary practices and collective responsibility in advancing gender equality. She highlighted that while progress has been made in women’s representation, structural and cultural challenges continue to limit full participation, underscoring the need for sustained institutional reforms.

Participants shared cross-party perspectives on a range of issues, including women’s representation in leadership, integration of gender perspectives in legislative processes, workplace environment, and the role of political parties in promoting inclusivity. The discussion provided valuable insights into both existing gaps and opportunities for strengthening gender mainstreaming within parliamentary functions.

The Gender Analysis of the National Assembly is aligned with international commitments, including CEDAW, the Beijing Platform for Action, and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

The findings from this Focus Group Discussion will contribute to a comprehensive assessment and inform actionable recommendations to enhance gender-responsive legislation, oversight, and institutional practices within the National Assembly.

The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive, representative, and responsive parliamentary environment that supports women’s empowerment and equitable participation in governance.