Pakistan attaches highest importance to the participation of women in all walks of life and has taken concrete steps toward that end, Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Masood Khan said.
He told an open debate on Women, Peace and Security that the Parliament in Islamabad has passed a number of laws to eliminate discrimination against women and to promote and protect their rights.
He appreciated Secretary General's and world body's efforts in respect of mainstreaming a gender perspective both within and outside the Organisation. As one of the biggest troop contributors, Pakistan supports efforts to mainstream a gender perspective in peacekeeping operations.
Appointment of gender advisors in the field has served a useful purpose. This practice must be strengthened.
Conscious of the importance of gender sensitisation of peacekeeping troops, Pakistan has incorporated two UN Standard Gender Training Modules.
"We are proud of our women peacekeepers who have served in different capacities such as police officers, doctors and nurses in peacekeeping operations in Asia, Africa and the Balkans." Shahzadi Gulfam, a Pakistani woman police officer, received the 2011 International Female Police Peacekeeper Award in recognition of her outstanding performance in Timor Leste. "We are proud of her meritorious services." Ambassador Khan said human rights instruments, particularly the Geneva Conventions, proscribe torture, violence and other forms of violence and ill treatment of women during conflicts. Despite such progress in the normative framework, women's suffering in conflict situations continues, he pointed out. "There is growing awareness of their plight and there is increased focus on their protection. Still women and girls continue to be the primary victims in conflict situations and suffer disproportionately."
"Women are true agents of change. Their involvement in different stages of conflict resolution, peacekeeping and peace-building activities produce positive results that are needed for peaceful and democratic societies."