PESHAWAR: The Frontier Women Alliance for Inclusive Development (FWAID), in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, convened a call to strengthen disability-inclusive policies and targeted support for women and girls with disabilities in Hazara division.

The demand was made during a regional dialogue held to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The dialogue brought together government officials, academics, civil society representatives and community women to review gaps in accessibility, institutional coordination and support systems across the region.

Hazara division Commissioner Fayyaz Ali Shah assured administrative backing for efforts aimed at improving access and service delivery for persons with disabilities.

MPA Syeda Shehla Bano stressed the need for gender-responsive budgeting and policy reforms to address structural barriers affecting women with disabilities.

FWAID Chief Executive Rabia Tahir highlighted the organisation’s rights-based approach and announced an internship initiative for Development Studies students of COMSATS University Abbottabad to build youth capacity in gender equality, disability inclusion and community engagement.

Speakers from academia, civil society and the public sector discussed legal protections, the need for inclusive governance, shortcomings in physical and digital accessibility, and the role of education in expanding opportunities.

Women with disabilities, students, teachers, lawyers, social workers and political representatives attended the session, which underscored the need for accessible public services, stronger policy action, economic and digital inclusion, and improved coordination between government institutions and local communities.