By Minahil Makhdoom
ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has said that prosperous and empowered women are integral for socio-economic development of the country. He said that bright future of the country is unthinkable without inclusion of women in the main socio-economic stream. He said that the role of women at leadership level would help women especially Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to play their active role in the development of the country.
These views were expressed by him while addressing an event in connection with celebration of Women day with a theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world” in the Parliament House on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, Asad Qaiser said that the Government is committed to support women as a topmost priority. It’s time to recognize the role of women and take substantial steps for ensuring equal participation of women in legislation. Gender equality cannot be achieved without ending violence against women and girls, he added.
The Speaker NA said, “I take courage to inform you all that your assembly is taking special initiatives for persons with disabilities. I pay homage to all the women with disabilities who contribute to our society. I have also formed a special Sub-Committee on PWDs under the leadership of Ms. Munaza Hassan. Women need to be encouraged and motivated and the present government was committed for the protection of women’s rights and providing them safe environment. In order to give women their due status, we also need to change the mindset and behavior. Joint efforts are needed to bring them into mainstream.”
Speaker Asad Qaiser later distributed wheel chairs and shields amongst the women with disabilities to honor their efforts and contributions. Speaker officially launched a Dashboard for persons with disabilities (PWD) created by Women’s Parliamentary Caucus. Secretary Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Munaza Hassan in her welcome remarks said that International Women’s Day is marked to highlight gender inequality around the world, raising awareness of the need for change and celebrating those who are already working towards a fairer and more equal world. This year’s International Women’s Day comes as the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its staggering impacts on women – from being pushed into poverty, to loss of jobs as the informal economy shrinks, to alarming spike in domestic violence and unpaid care burden.
The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is a cross party forum to ensure continuous and sustainable parliamentary discourse on gender-related issues. The Caucus provides a forum for all women to join hands and raise above party-lines to represent, legislative and oversee challenges to women political, economic, social and cultural participation. Women’s Parliamentary Caucus aims to enhance women’s role in participating in Parliamentary issues. It is a milestone in Pakistan’s Parliamentary history and a boost to the cause of Women’s rights in Pakistan.”
Country Representative UNFPA, Ms. Lina Mousa commended the WPC’s role in promoting the agenda of women’s rights and leadership in the country. “It is great to be with you to celebrate International Women’s Day 2021.
