Zubair Qureshi
President Dr Arif Alvi has emphasised on women empowerment through better health and education, hereditary rights and financial independence.
Addressing a ceremony in connection with the International Women’s Day on Monday, the President said the present government has passed several laws to empower women.
The President said although laws for women rights existed in the country, however, they were not being implemented.
He said the current government is taking steps to ensure their implementation, including the law of hereditary rights of women.
Underlining the importance of financial independence of women, the President said the government has started a programme in which banks are offering loans of up to five million rupees to a woman entrepreneur.
Under the PTI government’s Ehsaas programme as well, he said, most of the funds are being disbursed among women.
Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal in remarks said that women empowerment is based on education.
She said, “In Covid situation we have started the concept of camel library to provide education to children in far-flung areas of Balochistan.”
Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza said that women are proving their abilities in all fields of life at present. She appreciated the women who are shining in athletics and sports.
Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Androulla Kaminara in her remarks on the occasion appreciated the steps taken by Pakistani government for women empowerment.
She especially mentioned Ehsaas programme and improvement in inheritance laws of the country.
Speaking at the event, Sharmeela Rasool, Country Representative, UN Women said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us that inclusivity and diversity of leadership styles make a difference.
When more women are in decision-making positions, different voices are heard, and innovative solutions are created. Both the process and the outcomes are for a more just, equitable and prosperous society”.
Dr. Shireen Mazari, Federal Minister for Human Rights spoke about the work of the Ministry of Human Rights in supporting the cause of female empowerment and gender equality in Pakistan.
First Lady Mrs Samina Alvi Monday paid rich tributes to women artisans, workers, nurses, doctors, businesswomen and called for acknowledging their contributions in society.
She was participating in an event organized by Serena Hotel in connection with International Women’s
Day.
Spouses of ambassadors, eminent women from various walks of life and female staff of the Serena Hotel also participated in the event.
A “networking breakfast” was also hosted by the CEO of Serena Hotels Aziz A Boolani and his team on the occasion.
The event coincided with birthday of Mrs Alvi and spouse of the Tirkish ambassador Mrs Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul.
While speaking on the occasion, Aziz Boolani said Serena took pride and always promoted women empowerment.
Every day, he said was the women’s day. Later, a cake was also cut to celebrate the Women’s Day.
