ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly`s Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming on Friday voiced strong concern over the negligible allocation for gender-based initiatives in the Public Sector Development Programme, urging immediate corrective measures to bridge the gender gap in national development.

Chaired by MNA Dr Nafeesa Shah, the committee at a meeting said that only 1.3 per cent of the Rs3.6 trillion PSDP from 2020 to 2025 had been earmarked for gender-focused projects. According to a briefing from the Planning and Development Ministry, this proportion peaked at 2.5 per cent in 2023-24 but plummeted to just 0.7 per cent in the current fiscal year.

A statement issued here said officials from the Ministry`s Gender Unit outlined ongoing efforts, including a comprehensive Gender Action Plan developed with UN Women, a gender checklist for development projects, and a detailed review of PSDP allocations. While acknowledging progress, they admitted that current efforts fall short of the necessary systemic changes.

The committee called for an actionable roadmap from the Planning Ministry to boost gender-responsive budgeting and expand programmes aimed at women`s financial inclusion, legal empowerment, healthcare, and education. Members also expressed disappointment at the stagnant allocation for key sectors such as primary education and health, along with the state`s lackluster response to gender-based violence.

A critical point of discussion was the underrepresentation of women in federal employment. With only 5.26 per cent of federal jobs occupied by women, the committee urged the government to fulfill the mandated 10 per cent employment quota.

The chairperson and other members emphasised the need for stronger affirmative action and targeted initiatives to close the gender employment gap.

The Establishment Division highlighted steps taken to address this issue, including special CSS exams, increased age limits and additional attempts for candidates from underrepresented groups. Provinces have been asked to devise strategies to meet the quota targets.

On the topic of financial inclusion, the committee reviewed progress made by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).

Members stressed the need for a nationwide approach rather than piecemeal efforts and called for closer coordination between SMEDA, the State Bank, chambers of commerce and women entrepreneurs.

The committee requested a draft of the National Women Entrepreneurship Policy for review and scheduled a follow-up meeting to further assess SMEDA`s initiatives.