The Punjab Government is making all-out efforts to empower women, to end gender discrimination, domestic violence and to make them active member in socio-economic activities of the country. It was stated by MPA Najma Afzal while addressing a seminar titled Punjab Women Empowerment Initiatives arranged by the Institute of Home Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad.
She said Islam attaches the great importance to women and guides men to treat women politely. But unluckily in men-dominant society, the women are deprived of their rights. She said that Women Protection Act 2016 was the hallmark step that will help address the problems of women. The women are oppressed segment of the society. The women protection committees were being constituted in the 36 districts of the province. She said that the government was committed to provide them their due rights and empower them so that challenges of the modern era can be met. She said that justice will be provided in three months. UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Zafar said that the education works as engine of growth to address social and economic issue. He praised the government for taking the initiatives for the cause of women emancipation. He said: we will not achieve the sustainable development if we do not achieve gender equality. He said that the UAF had set up a hostel for 1000 girls with the funding of the Punjab Government. He said that the University was making all-out efforts to provide the modern facilities to the women. The gender ratio in the women is 50 percent. In-charge Home Sciences Dr Ayesha Riaz said that women are playing an intensive role model not only as a house keeper but also as the working force in all aspects of life. She said that rural women should be given being awareness to realize their economic and cultural rights. Dr Saira Akhtar said that women as mothers, sisters and daughters were playing effective role for the uplift of the country. She stressed upon the need for women empowerment to end the poverty from the country. Member Punjab Commission on the Status of Women Shazia George said that number of initiatives were being taken to create the awareness among the women about their rights. She said that the commission was aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality in Punjab through research; review and revision of laws, policies, programs, rules and regulations; monitoring implementation of instruments and obligations affecting women and girls; and collaborating with government agencies, civil society and the private sector. Dr Tahira Iqbal said that the nation can’t make the progress without the active participation of women and providing them rights. Dr Benish Sarwar said that the women constitute 51 percent of the population. She said that women were standing side by side with men in every sphere of life. She said that without ensuring the rights of women, w3e can’t compete with the rest of the world.