FROM MENAHILL RASHID
FAISALABAD: Pakistani society is facing gender discrimination for which ensuring women rights and women empowerment are inevitable to make the socio-economic development.
It was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while addressing the celebrations in connection with International Women’s Day at Iqbal Auditorium as the Chief Guest.
The UAF took out a rally, arranged a seminar, art exhibition and inter-hostel sports gala.
Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that half of the population of the country consists of women. We cannot pave the way of development without gender mainstreaming. He said that the university students consist of more than 50 percent women and steps are also being taken to increase women participation at the faculty level. He said that UAF launched a bicycle program for women a decade ago to overcome the travel difficulties of female students. Now, we see women on cycle/bicycle across in different areas of city.
Government College Women University Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Dr. Rubina Farooq called for increasing the participation of women in professional education. She stressed upon the need of women increased participation in the mainstreaming of political, social and administrative affairs. She said that for a better society, it is necessary to ensure women’s education.
MPA Firdous Rai said that ensuring women rights is one of the top priorities of the government for which all possible measures are being taken. The dream of national prosperity cannot be materialized without the development of women.
Former MPA Najma Afzal said that in order to build self-confidence, women should participate more in all fields of life. She said that development can be achieved only by providing equal opportunities to women .
Dr Attiya Awan said that an empowered and educated woman can become the best mother and raise the generation in a better way that is a guarantee of a bright future. She said that the purpose of celebrating Women’s Day is to pay homage to the role of women in the development of the country as well as to raise the awareness about their rights. She said that Islam gives the best rights to women. Unfortunately, we are not implementing the golden principal of the Islam in our lives. There is a tendency in society to deprive women of their rights.
Dean Food Nutrition and Home Sciences Dr. Masood Sadiq Butt said that the best facilities are being provided to the UAF students. He said that without women participation, we could not compete with the rest of the world.
Principal Officer Dr. Jalal Arif said that under the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, all efforts are being made to equip women in the university with a better environment and facilities. He urged the women to build confidence and fight the odds in the life for progress.
Progressive farmer Sapna Kavita said that in villages, women are standing side by side with men in the agriculture sector. Shazia George, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce Representative Qurat Ul Ain, Institute of Home Sciences Director Dr. Ayesha Riaz, Associate Professor Dr. Bushra Sadia, Lecturer Hira Iftikhar and others also spoke.
