September 10, 2015, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon (Dawn), last Thursday, focused on the lack of female participation in legislation and policy-making. A key point in discussion was the daily harassment that professional women face in Pakistan.

The program was aired under the theme “Da Ilam Ranra” (light of knowledge). Ms. Amina Durrani,  Provincial Coordinator for the Status of Women, and Ms. Tahira Kaleem, a women’s rights activist, participated in the program as studio guests. A related story from Peshawar was also included in the show, highlighting a recent gathering, organized by the PEAD foundation, to determine why legislation and policy-making had such limited female participation.

“We have to consider the social structure of our society. Politics is not confined to the elections, it has far-reaching repercussions and applications. The central idea is to get exposure. Women should aware be of their society, surroundings, as well as their rights and responsibilities. They should cross manmade barriers and take an active part in politics, legislation and policy-making.”

– Ms. Amina Durrani  (Provincial Coordinator for Status of Women, KP).

“Harassment cases are reported very late, when the damage is already done. Some cases are not even reported at all. There is no provincial ombudsman in our province. When someone attempts to follow-up, it is hard to publicize such cases because of the norms in our society. Women need to understand what is meant by harassment. Staring or inappropriate comments also fall under harassment”.

– Ms. Tahira Kaleem (Women’s Rights Activist).