How AwazCDS-Pakistan breaks the cycle of invisibility for rural women workers
#NoOneLeftBehind
AwazCDS-Pakistan is leaving no one behind. What about you? Share your story!
For too long, women agricultural workers in Pakistan have been excluded from the protections offered to other laborers. For decades, they have powered food security and rural economies—but remained invisible in the eyes of the law. But thanks to the persistent efforts of AwazCDS-Pakistan and other civil society allies, that’s changing.
Through years of advocacy, they’ve helped achieve a major breakthrough: the Labour Code 2024, which for the first time formally recognizes women agricultural workers as laborers—entitling them to rights long denied.
From healthcare access and maternity leave, to minimum wage protections, retirement benefits, and safer working conditions, the new code affirms these women’s dignity and value. Implementation is underway, led by the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA), alongside awareness campaigns to ensure rural women know and claim their rights. For millions of women across rural Pakistan, this recognition isn't just legal - it’s a victory for gender justice, social protection, and rural resilience. Read the full story of AwazCDS-Pakistan here!
This work aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and with the principles of Leaving No One Behind including:
- SDG 1 – No Poverty: Recognizing women agricultural workers gives them access to wages, pensions, and social protection—helping lift rural families out of poverty.
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality: The reform tackles gender discrimination by ensuring rural women have equal labor rights, including maternity leave and childcare support.
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: It guarantees safer conditions, fair pay, and formal recognition—offering women dignified and secure employment.
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Driven by civil society, the code strengthens inclusive governance and ensures legal rights for a previously excluded group.
🚨 #NoOneLeftBehind – In Pakistan, @AwazCDS is proving that civil society is key to social protection, justice, and equity. Thanks to years of advocacy, women agricultural workers are now formally recognized in the Labour Code 2024—with rights to fair wages, healthcare, maternity leave, and safer working conditions. They’re #LeavingNoOneBehind. Are you?
➡️ Learn more: https://www.forus-international.org/en/custom-page-detail/125188-how-awazcds-pakistan-breaks-the-cycle-of-invisibility-for-rural-women-workers/?force_active=1ac95871-d265-488c-9948-4a104dbb4a69
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