A short course on How to be an effective Legislator  focused exclusively on enhancing the capacities of women MPAs of Punjab Assembly was organized by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency-PILDAT. The course was held at the Avari Hotel, Lahore. This is a unique parliamentary development course for women MPs organized by PILDAT. Key speakers included Former Senator Mr. Mohsin Leghari, Provincial Minister for Irrigation and Ms. Hameeda Waheeduddin, Former Parliamentary Secretary and Former Minister for Women Development.

Mr. Mohsin Leghari, Provincial Minister for Irrigation, Punjab while addressing the gathering opined that it is absolutely important that the Members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab should be fully aware of the parliamentary tools available to the members for being an effective parliamentarian. Addressing the gathering he further said that the members should carry themselves with grace when they appear on the media.

Addressing the participants Ms. Hameeda Waheeduddin, stressed that one cannot be an effective legislator till the Assembly is made effective. Hence one must work to strengthen the Assembly.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President PILDAT, highlighted that for an effective and meaningful representation of women in Parliament, there is a need to focus on the challenges faced by the women MPs and for building their capacities to effectively discharge their responsibilities. He pointed out that despite the increase in the number of women Parliamentarians in Pakistan, many of them do not have any prior political orientation and experience. He introduced a background paper that has been specifically prepared for this training titled “How to be an Effective Legislator”. He gave an overview of the significance of being a legislator, what are the key functions of a legislator and how to perform them effectively. Some important pointers were discussed on how the women parliamentarians can enhance their performance. He concluded his part by proposing important reforms needed in the Parliamentary procedures.

The session was followed by an intense question and answer session by the MPAs. The members who participated in the training included the following: Ms. Sadia Sohail Rana, MPA, Ms. Shamsa Ali, MPA, Ms. Uzma Kardar, MPA, Ms. Shawana Bashir, MPA, Ms. Bushra Anjum Butt, MPA, Ms. Sadiqa Sahibdad Khan, MPA, Ms. Seemabia Tahir, MPA, Ms. Neelum Hayat Malik, MPA, Ms. Rahat Afza, MPA, Ms. Khadija Umer, MPA, Ms. Haseena Begum, MPA, Ms. Rahila Khadim Hussain, MPA and Ms. Umul-Banin Ali, MPA.