In compliance with the Sindh High Court’s order (C.P. No. D-6265 of 2024), the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) convened the second stakeholders’ meeting to review the draft rules of the Sindh Women Agricultural Workers Act, 2019. Chaired by SHRC Chairperson Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho and Co-chaired by Secretary Human Rights Department, Government of Sindh Mr. Akram Ali Khowaja, the meeting brought together representatives from key government departments, civil society, and legal experts. Notable participants included Mr. Arshad Noor Khan (Judicial Member I SHRC), Mir Safdar Hussain (Judicial Member-II SHRC), Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Memon (Special Secretary Law Department), Ms. Ambreen Kamil (Sr. Director SESSI), Mr. Wali Mohammad Quershi (Deputy Director Women Development Department Sindh. Ms. Raheela Rizvi (Deputy Director Local Government Department), Mr. Naeem Mangi (Secretary Sindh Minimum Wages Board), Mr. Rejhu Mal (Law Officer Labour Department), Ms. Nayab and Ms. Jane (Agriculture Department), Barrister Maron Durrani (Sindh Social Protection Authority), Mr. Zia ur Rahman (Chief Executive, Awaz CDS-Pakistan), Mr. Anwar Mahar, and Ms. Shazia Jahangir (National Advocacy For Rights of Innocent-NARI Foundation).
As the first province to introduce legislation for the protection of women agricultural workers, Sindh is taking a landmark step toward gender equality in the agricultural sector. Discussions focused on fair wages, social security, healthcare, protection from workplace harassment, and the inclusion of women in decision-making processes. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning the Act with other labour laws and strengthening mechanisms like social safety nets and labour courts. The meeting highlighted the need to empower women through training, leadership development, and inclusive policies—fostering collaboration among government institutions, NGOs, labour unions, and communities to uphold and advance the rights of women agricultural workers.