Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Greg Gioks said on Wednesday that women economic empowerment could bring greater social change among the masses and the female population had enough potential to earn a livelihood for themselves.
“Pakistan can progress by empowering rural women,” he said.
Speaking at the Lok Virsa during an event titled “We, the Empowered”, Greg said women could be made powerful by teaching them the basics of entrepreneurship.
The event included a day long photo exhibition which was organised by a Switzerland based non-profit organization, CARE.
He appreciated the efforts of the Canadian International Development Agency in this regard, which was a partner organisation of CARE in its 5-year long Programme “Community Infrastructure Improvement Project”.
Member of Punjab Assembly (MPA) Arifa Khalid Parvez, who is also a human rights activist, said that the civil society was playing an important role for community development and women empowerment.
She told the appraised the audience about the legislation on women empowerment.
“Chief Minister of Punjab is very dedicated towards development in the society through health and education reforms. During the last few years, Pakistan achieved some important goals in the form of the Sexual Harassment Bill and other such legislations. We will do more for this purpose in the future,” she said.
During the session, two publications titled “Shaking off Stereotypes: We, the Empowered” and “My Path: Development, My Destiny, Development” were also unveiled. One of them was the assemblage of success stories while other was a picture book characterising the efficient women of rural areas of Sindh and Punjab.
The event also included a video documentary and stalls of women beneficiary products. The event was attended by the representatives of embassies, NGOs and academic departments of the twin cities.