WaterAid Pakistan and the Centre for Business and Economics, IBA Karachi, Spearhead Provincial Dialogue on MHM Integration and Tax Reforms
WaterAid Pakistan, in collaboration with the Centre for Business and Economics, IBA Karachi, organised a Provincial Dialogue on "Integration of MHM in Provincial Policies and Strategies and Tax Reforms on Sanitary Products" at the City Campus, IBA Karachi. The Provincial Dialogue event served as a platform for influential voices to discuss and deliberate upon policies, strategies, and tax reforms concerning MHM and sanitary products.
Mr. Muhammad Khaliq, Provincial Manager, WaterAid Pakistan, extended a warm welcome to participants, emphasising the organisation's unwavering commitment to integrating MHM into provincial policies and strategies. He underscored the importance of this integration in safeguarding the well-being and dignity of women and girls across the province.
During the event, Ms. Raheema Panhwar, Gender Advisor at WaterAid Pakistan, presented crucial findings concerning the gap analysis of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and tax reforms. Ms. Panhwar shed light on the challenges embedded within governmental policies at both provincial and national levels, emphasising the imperative for comprehensive revisions to effectively address MHM needs.
A panel discussion on the significance of MHM integration in relevant department policies and strategies, as well as tax reforms on sanitary products, was conducted by Dr. Lubna Naz, Director of CBER-IBA Karachi. Distinguished panellists included: Sadiqa Salahuddin, Executive Director, Indus Resource Centre (IRC); Zofeen T. Ebrahim, freelance journalist; Dr. Naima Shaikh, Additional Director, RMNCH, Health Department, Government of Sindh; and Paras Shahab Memon, Assistant Commissioner, Regional Tax Office/Federal Board of Revenue, shared valuable perspectives and recommendations aimed at fostering inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, and promoting access to essential services.
In her concluding remarks, Ms. Rana Ansar, a Member of the National Assembly and former Leader of the Opposition in Sindh, emphasised the need for comprehensive strategies and political will to address societal issues effectively, recognising Water Aid's significant contributions in this regard. Stressing the necessity of effective policy implementation for ensuring fair access to essential services, Ms. Ansar called for unified legislative endeavours to eradicate the stigma surrounding menstrual hygiene, acknowledging its profound influence on productivity and societal well-being.
Dr. Abdul Haq Chang, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, IBA Karachi, Pakistan, expressed gratitude to all attendees and highlighted the importance of youth involvement in driving positive change.