Begum Parveen Sarwar has said that promotion of equal basic rights in society without gender discrimination do not aim to hurt the self-respect of women and ego of men, rather the objective is to highlight that giving rights without gender bias is real humanism. She was addressing inter-generational dialogue on “Voice, Choice and Safety” held in connection with the World Women Day 2020 at Punjab University.
Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences Dean Prof Dr Umbreen Javed, Chairperson Gender Studies Dr Raana Malik, Advisor for EVAW & Governance Punjab Ms Nabila Malick, Senior Analyst Salman Abid, representatives of NGOs, faculty members and a large number of students participated in the dialogue.
In her address Begum Parveen Sarwar said that education was very important to address the problems faced by women and improve their life standard. “The rural population required more awareness about women rights as compared to urban areas. Women rights are the same rights as given by Islam.” She advised girls to inform their parents before going out of home and prefer moving out in groups to ensure security. Dean FBSS Dr. Umbreen Javed said that women drive cars, motorbikes and scotties in Punjab University without any fear.
She urged the female students to contribute actively in society after completing their degree programmes. Nabeela Malick, Salman Abid and other panelists said that women rights movement struggle has very long history. In the past women led movements for education and right to vote and now they are raising their voice for equal rights. They said men and women besides working shoulder to shoulder to help resolve the issues faced by our country must respect each other. They said behavioural change and new narrative were the need of the hour to do away with the gender discrimination in the society.
