In connection with International Women’s Day 2026, WISE organized a seminar yesterday bringing together a large number of women and girls. The event engaged 110 participants from Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib, including representatives from civil society, government departments, and legal professionals.

The seminar featured a panel discussion on the “Child Marriages Restraint Ordinance 2026” and the broader legal and institutional protection frameworks for women and girls. Distinguished speakers included Jawaria Arzoo Kashif, Advocate Lahore High Court; Rashida Qureshi, Program Manager, Search for Justice; Altaf Hussain, Inspector Investigation Branch, IGP Office Lahore; Kashaf Noor, Child Psychologist, Child Protection & Welfare Bureau Punjab; and Aqsa Fayyaz, Incharge Women Virtual Police Station, Punjab Safe Cities Authority.

Farooq Ahmad Khara, Director Lahore Division, Local Government and Community Development Department, highlighted the important role of local governments in preventing gender-based violence and strengthening women’s access to justice.

The seminar concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Bushra Khaliq, Executive Director WISE, who emphasized the need for coordinated institutional efforts to safeguard the rights, protection, and dignity of women and girls.