In a historic moment for youth empowerment, First Female CM Sindh Children Parliament was inaugurated with Syeda Rida Batool Kazmi taking the oath as the Chief Minister. This landmark event marks a new era of youth leadership in Sindh, as Rida secured a decisive victory with 40 votes, outshining her opponent Ashok Kumar, a ninth-grade student from GHS Mithi Tharparkar, who received 24 votes and assumed the position of opposition leader.
A Groundbreaking Initiative for Youth Empowerment
The Sindh Children Parliament initiative, led by the Thar Education Alliance with the support of the Sindh Education & Literacy Department (SE&LD), Reform Support Unit (RSU), and UNICEF, aims to inspire the youth and promote children’s rights to education.
A total of 30 districts across Sindh participated in this groundbreaking initiative, with each district selecting two children representatives, while six students were chosen from Sujawal. These young representatives will serve as the voices of their districts in the parliament, paving the way for greater youth involvement in leadership and governance.
Leadership by Syeda Rida Batool Kazmi
First Female CM Sindh Syeda Rida Batool Kazmi, a 10th-grade student from GGHSS Tando Allahyar, expressed her pride in her role as Chief Minister, stating that the initiative gave her the confidence to believe that a woman could lead Sindh.
“Though this initiative focuses on children’s rights, I am confident that with a well-organized advocacy plan and the support of our representatives, we can drive impactful change,” she remarked. Her victory is a significant milestone for women in leadership roles, demonstrating the power of youth and gender equality in political processes.
Youth Leaders Pushing for Educational Reforms
The elected Minister for Quality Education, Zainab Khan, an 8th-grade student from Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) PSP Badin, also highlighted the importance of education as a fundamental right. Zainab Khan emphasized her goal of bringing out-of-school children into the educational system, as she believes that children understand each other’s struggles best.
“Through my involvement, I aim to ensure that every child is provided the opportunity to learn and thrive,” she said. Her statement reflects the shared vision of the parliamentarians to create an inclusive and accessible educational environment for all children in Sindh.
A Collective Vision for Children’s Rights and Education
Other members and ministers of the Sindh Children Parliament also took an oath to work towards reintegrating out-of-school children into the education system and ensuring every child has access to opportunities.
Their collective mission is not only to advocate for educational rights but also to empower young people to take charge of their future. With strong leadership and a focus on educational reforms, the parliament aims to transform Sindh’s education landscape and improve access to quality education for every child.
Sindh Human Rights Commission’s Role
Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairman Iqbal Ditho expressed the commission’s ongoing commitment to monitoring children’s rights in the province. The SHRC ensures that children have access to basic education and that the government takes necessary steps to address issues related to children’s welfare. The commission’s support of the First Female CM Sindh Children Parliament is a crucial step towards strengthening children’s rights and ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.
A New Era for Children’s Rights and Education
Partab Shivani, Chief Executive Officer of the Thar Education Alliance, shared his vision for the future, emphasizing that this is the first time Sindh has established a Children’s Parliament with the support of UNICEF, the Education Department, and Reform Support Unit. The initiative focuses on reintegrating out-of-school children into the education system, providing them with opportunities to succeed in life, and ensuring a fairer educational landscape for all.
The success of the First Female CM Sindh Children Parliament, led by Syeda Rida Batool Kazmi, marks the beginning of a new chapter in youth leadership. By empowering young leaders and providing them with the tools to succeed, this initiative will leave a lasting impact on the future of children’s rights and education in Sindh.
