US launches women’s rights programme in Pakistan

Islamabad, Aug 31 (IANS/AKI) The US is launching a new $40 million programme to stress on women’s human rights in Pakistan and support existing government policies to combat gender inequality.

“The US and Pakistan are focused on empowering women and advancing women’s rights - an issue of great importance to both our countries,” US ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson said in a statement.

“Women and girls need access to education, full participation in political, economic and civic life, and access to the justice system to ensure the future stability and prosperity of Pakistan,” she said.

The Gender Equity Grants Programme will be allocated grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.

The US will work with non-governmental organisations to provide grants to local associations working for women’s empowerment. Grants will also go to think tanks, academic research and training institutions, professional and business associations, government and other bodies and media organisations concerned with women’s equality.

The grants will be used to expand women’s access to justice and human rights and to support organisations in Pakistan that advocate gender equality.

–IANS/AKI