Legislative Reform Must Be Paired with Sustained Institutional Action to Advance Justice for Women in Pakistan

The statement emphasizes that enacting laws is only the first step; lasting impact requires ongoing institutional efforts to ensure effective implementation. Parliaments must do more than pass legislation—they must strengthen oversight of justice institutions, secure adequate and timely budgetary allocations, and promote accountability throughout the justice system. In her remarks at the First Session on Advancing Access to Justice for All Women and Girls, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt highlighted the Pakistan Parliament's historical role in fortifying legal and institutional protections for women, while acknowledging persistent gaps in practice. She advocates for an integrated, intersectional approach that considers diverse experiences of women and girls across regions and communities. The speech signals a strategic shift toward combining reform with capacity-building and robust parliamentary action to enhance access to justice, safeguard rights, and ensure that protections for women endure beyond the passage of laws.