https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Aug 7 (Alliance News): Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) Ayesha Raza Farooq Thursday said Breastfeeding is not only a child’s first vaccine—it is also a mother’s fundamental right.
In a powerful video statement, Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the NCRC Pakistan, reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that no mother is denied the dignity, time, or space to nourish her child.
As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week 2025, Pakistan is being urged to rethink and reshape its policies, workplaces, and public attitudes toward breastfeeding, particularly for working mothers.
“Supporting breastfeeding is not just a health issue. It’s a matter of social justice, working women’s rights, and community well-being,” she emphasized.
She said that while breastfeeding is recognized globally as one of the most effective ways to ensure child survival, too many women in Pakistan still face formidable barriers in initiating and sustaining it—especially when returning to work after childbirth.
Breastfeeding: A Right, Not a Privilege says Ayesha Raza Farooq
According to UNICEF and WHO, breastfeeding can reduce child mortality by up to 13% in low- and middle-income countries. It provides ideal nutrition for infants and strengthens their immune system, serving quite literally as a child’s first vaccine.
But in Pakistan, only 48% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, far below the Global Nutrition Target of 70% by 2030. Experts point out that this figure reflects deep-rooted societal challenges—ranging from poor maternity leave policies to lack of breastfeeding-friendly environments in both public and private sectors.
“Too many mothers are forced to choose between their jobs and the health of their babies,” said Dr. Nabila Tariq, a maternal health specialist. “We need to make it possible for women to do both.”
Barriers Faced by Working Mothers
In urban centers like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, the corporate sector often overlooks the needs of working mothers. Most workplaces lack basic provisions such as nursing rooms, flexible schedules, or support for extended maternity leave.
For many mothers, returning to work means abruptly ending breastfeeding—a decision made out of necessity, not choice.
Ayesha Raza Farooq identified three key areas for immediate intervention:
Stronger maternity protections and workplace policies that guarantee paid leave and flexible work arrangements.
Breastfeeding-friendly public spaces such as nursing lounges at malls, airports, parks, and transit stations.
Widespread awareness campaigns that normalize breastfeeding and challenge stigmas that shame women for feeding their children in public or during work hours.
“Laws exist, but they are poorly enforced. There must be accountability from employers and proactive support from government agencies,” she added.
Social Stigma: A Hidden Obstacle
Beyond workplace challenges, cultural stigma remains a significant barrier. Many women report feeling embarrassed or judged for breastfeeding in public.
In rural areas, traditional taboos and misinformation further discourage the practice. This silent pressure contributes to declining breastfeeding rates, despite its well-known benefits.
“Changing the mindset is just as important as changing the law,” said NCRC Commissioner for Child Health, Dr. Sara Mehboob.
“Women should never feel ashamed for feeding their babies. We must create a society where breastfeeding is normalized, supported, and celebrated.”
The Economic and Social Payoff
The benefits of promoting breastfeeding extend beyond individual health. Studies show that increasing breastfeeding rates can boost national productivity, reduce healthcare costs, and lower infant mortality rates.
The World Bank estimates that Pakistan could save over $1 billion annually by improving child nutrition and reducing healthcare costs linked to malnutrition and poor immunity.
Workplaces that accommodate breastfeeding also report higher employee retention, increased job satisfaction, and better work-life balance.
“It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” emphasized Ms. Farooq. “When we invest in mothers, we invest in our future.”
Steps Toward Change
The NCRC, in collaboration with partners such as UNICEF, WHO, and the Ministry of National Health Services, is already working on a multi-tiered strategy to support breastfeeding:
Advocating for an extension of paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 6 months.
Encouraging large employers to set up mother-and-child support rooms with facilities for breastfeeding and childcare.
Partnering with media outlets and influencers to launch public awareness campaigns titled #FeedWithPride and #MotherhoodMatters.
In addition, civil society organizations are stepping up. Groups like the Pakistan Pediatric Association and Lady Health Workers Union are hosting workshops across the country to train mothers and health workers on the benefits of early breastfeeding and continued support systems.
She stressed that public-private partnerships can be game-changers in setting national examples. “We need big companies and institutions to step forward and say: yes, we support working mothers.”
The Road Ahead
As the nation reflects during World Breastfeeding Week, one question echoes across policymaking circles, community centers, and social media:
What is one practical change you believe would help more mothers breastfeed in Pakistan?
The answers vary—from better legislation to corporate responsibility, from healthcare access to shifting public attitudes—but the message is clear: Breastfeeding is a right, not a privilege.
Ayesha Raza Farooq’s closing words summed it up:
“Let’s work together to ensure that every child gets the best start in life—and every mother gets the support she needs to provide it.”
