Of the several factors that justify the greatness of Pakistan’s culture, one of the greatest is the esteemed place ascribed to women in Pakistani society. In the wake of the political emancipation of Pakistan there came a great change in life and destiny of Pakistani women. Benefits of liberal education and social accomplishments have paved the way for women to play a more constructive role. Today, if they wish to work or be self-supporting and share family responsibilities, they are quite free to do so, provided their integrity and honor are safeguarded.
Over the past many years, there has been a steady rise in the share of women, especially mothers, in the workforce but unfortunately these working women have to face many difficulties for the upbringing of their children. Keeping this in mind, the Punjab government recently established a “Daycare Center” with a cost of Rs.2.6 million for the infants and kids of the female officials and officers of the provincial government to provide shelter and security to them during the working hours of the mothers of these kids.
Certainly, the establishment of “Daycare Center” at civil secretariat is a welcome step and a great facility to the working women but need of the hour is to plan more and more such projects for the facilitation and welfare of the working women in the province. Only words will not do anything until they are followed by actions because by standing shoulder to shoulder with men, women are playing a vital role in Pakistan’s national reconstruction and uplift. They have shown their worth as leaders and administrators, and that time is not far off when Pakistan will have at the helm of affairs, women who will lead the country from strength to strength.
Syed Ali Qasim
Lahore Cantt
