PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Tuesday launched the provincial government`s Gender Parity Report 2024 and said women, who made up more than half of the country`s population, were key tonationalprogress.

`Protecting the rights of women and marginalised groups is essential for prosperity,` the chief minister told the GPR launching ceremony held at the Chief Minister`s House here in connection with International Women`s Day.

The event, organised by the KP Provincial Commission on the Status of Women, was attended by social welfare minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi, officials of the social welfare department, and women from various fields.

The Gender Parity Report is a comprehensive data-driven document that highlights the current status of gender equality in the province, providing insights into access to services, socio-economic participation, and political representation of men and women, according to an official statement.

It added that the report aimed to serve as a guiding document for stakeholders working towards gender equality and its launch reaffirmed the provincial government`s commitment to women`s empowerment and inclusive development.

Chief Minister Gandapur emphasised the importance of accurate data for policymaking and decision-making, and commended the officials involved in compiling the report.

He said that no development initiative could succeed without reliable data.

`The issues identified in this reportwill be addressed on a priority basis,` he said, adding that after endorsement by the provincial assembly, the report would be shared with the federal government to encourage nationwide efforts for gender equality.

The chief minister said his government was committed to women`s participation in economic and social programs, especially through the Ehsaas Youth Employment and Ehsaas Skills Development initiatives.

Highlighting efforts in girls` education, he remarked that the provincial government had established 2,800 girls` community schools, providing education to thousands of girls.

Mr Gandapur also said a voucher scheme had been launched to enrol outof-school girls, while scholarships and stipends were being provided to reduce the dropout rate in government schools.

He said that to improve women`s safety and access to justice, the government had set up women police desks in police stations and established gender-based violence courts across the province, while special open forums (khuli kutcheris) were being held under the Public Agenda Programme to address women`s issues on a priority basis.

The chief minister said the provincial government had launched the Sahara Card Programme, which provided a monthly stipend of Rs10,000 to widows aged 45 and above.

He also said the government was facilitating women`s inheritance rights, ensuring they receive their legal share of property.

Mr Gandapur noted that 30 per cent of the users of the Bus Rapid Transit service in Peshawar were women, which was an encouraging sign of progress.

He said that the government was focusing on previously neglected sectors to ensure equal opportunities for all.

The chief minister said Islam clearly defined the rights of all individuals, including women, and adhering to Islamic teachings would help resolve many societal challenges.