Peer-to-Peer learning - Strengthening local governance and empowering women
Sharing knowledge and experiences among practitioners of local governance has important impacts on service delivery. This is why the Local Government & Community Development Department (LG&CDD) of Punjab organised an experience sharing session for more than 20 of its women officers. Along with the Special Secretary LG&CDD Punjab Ms. Asia Gul, they participated in a peer-to-peer learning programme and met with local government officers from various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Promoting Gender-Inclusive Governance
In line with the initiative to strengthen local governments in Punjab, it is crucial to enhance the capacity of women officers. The aim is to promote gender equality and leverage the unique perspectives and capabilities of women in leadership roles, ultimately leading to more inclusive and effective governance practices.
During the visit, the delegates explored the implementation of various innovative tools and strategies in KP, which have significantly improved service delivery and citizen satisfaction in the province. The officers from Punjab showed keen interest in replicating these successful models to improve service delivery in their regions.
One of the key highlights of the visit was the discussion on women empowerment with the elected women representatives from Tehsil Councils at the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Abbottabad. They discussed the strategies employed in KP to uplift women's socio-economic status and improve their overall well-being. This interaction underscored the importance of allocating resources and operating local government centers to promote economic opportunities for women.
‘In the LG&CDD Punjab, there is a noticeable shift towards greater female participation across various fields, including planning and administration in both urban and rural areas. This inclusive approach not only breaks down traditional gender barriers but also harnesses the diverse perspectives of women to drive better decision-making processes,’ said Abida Ayub, an Officer from the Municipal Committee Bhera.
Tehmina Zahoor, an Officer from the Municipal Committee Bhalwal, added, ‘Adopting a community-inclusive approach in municipal service delivery is essential for achieving long-term goals effectively. It's crucial to involve the public not only in the output of services but also in the policymaking process.’
Solid Waste Management: Lessons from KP
The visit also covered the experiences of sustainable urban development initiatives, such as the development of Sherwan Adventure Park under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Capital City Project (KPCIP). Officers from Punjab got insights into the practical strategies for solid waste management and recycling, providing them with actionable ideas for tackling environmental challenges.
‘Implementing door-to-door garbage collection, along with segregation and recycling initiatives, presents cost-effective solutions with significant impact,’ said Nazia Ghulam Muhai Ud Din, Assistant Director Local Government in Pindi Bhattian.
This peer-to-peer learning visit was organised with the support of the German development cooperation. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ is assisting the Pakistani Government to enable local institutions and authorities to provide public services in line with the needs and priorities of women and vulnerable groups in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
