At UN event, Pakistani legislator calls for inclusion of Gaza women in reconstruction, peace efforts

ISLAMABAD: A prominent Pakistani female legislator called for the inclusion of Gazan women in the reconstruction and peace-building efforts of their homeland while addressing an event at the United Nations on Tuesday.
Nafisa Shah, a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly and chairperson of its Gender Mainstreaming Committee, participated in an event focusing on the struggles of women in Gaza for freedom and dignity, which was organized by the League of Arab States and the Arab Women’s Committee in partnership with UN Women.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 48,500 Palestinian deaths, with a significant number being women and children.
Women have also lost their homes in the Palestinian enclave, where hospitals, schools and much of the infrastructure have been completely destroyed by Israeli military actions.
“As a woman’s voice from my country, I pay tribute to the valiant struggles of women [in Gaza] as they face displacement, violence and homelessness,” Shah said while addressing the event. “To [these] women, let me say that I want you to know that pain does not present you as victims, but each tear, each drop of blood and every mark and scar inflicted by the occupier counts as a testimony to your historical and stellar struggle for justice and for freedom.”
“Our empathy is not only an expression of sympathy but a statement of solidarity,” the Pakistani legislator continued.
Shah reiterated her country’s position on the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, terming it a fundamental step toward achieving peace and stability in the region.
She urged the global community to unite in support of the Palestinian cause by advocating for their rights and dignity.
“Together, we can work toward a future where peace prevails and the voices of women are heard and respected in the pursuit of justice for all Palestinians,” she added.
Experts note that women in conflict zones endure unique challenges, including heightened vulnerability to violence and limited access to resources, underscoring the importance of amplifying their voices in peace initiatives.