Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb Wednesday recognised the sacrifices made by the women whose brave sons and daughters were martyred during the fight for the sovereignty of nation since 1947.
She stated this while addressing the Women’s Day 2017 ceremony organised by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce.
The minister paid tributes to all the women who have played a vital role in the freedom and prosperity of Pakistan.
She also paid tributes to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for being a role model of strength and intellect for a generation of women not only in Pakistan but in the world.
She honoured the strength and commitment of the mothers and daughters of Kashmir.
The minister said that women maintained the most delicate balance in any society with their natural nurturing and intuitive instincts.
“More important question is what is the society’s role when it comes to harnessing the power of women,” she added
Evidence shows that different societies at different stages clearly made advancement only after making women equal partners in the social construct.
While giving a message to the women, she said: “I will encourage women to pursue what they’re passionate about. Girls should first believe in their abilities, be ready to compete and show resilience in the face of muted discrimination; build their capabilities and then pursue their passion with a sense of confidence rather than entitlement. Along the way, they have to be willing to make sacrifices and stand firm against social taboos and pressures”
She said that although equal rights for women are enshrined in the constitution, “we need to do more, as it is our shared responsibility to bring our women to the highest level of society.”
She said the incumbent government has taken a number of steps to provide women with their due rights and Maryam Nawaz Sharif is earnestly committed to translating Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision of women’s empowerment to a reality.
The information minister said that the Holy Quran has dedicated myriad of verses to women’s rights making them sacrosanct in Islam.
She urged all women to pursue their dreams vigorously and face all adversities with confidence and resilience.
Whilst addressing the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, she elucidated on the government policies, saying PM’s vision of women empowerment is manifested in PM Youth Programme.
PM’s Pakistan first health care programme with 50 per cent share of women and new electoral reform includes 10 per cent party ticket dispensation as a minimum threshold allocation for women to contest the direct election. Furthermore, PM education reform programme also has a complete transport infrastructure for girls.
Pakistan has robust legislation and policies in place to promote empowerment across all provinces and the National Assembly. This is a reinforcement of the fact that Pakistan as a nation and society prioritises women issues, and is becoming more sensitive and responsive towards women empowerment, she said.
Talking at the event she further elaborated the role of media being pivotal in raising awareness of the women’s rights and the legal instruments that support them.
The minister acknowledged the role of civil society and international partners in supporting to alleviate the struggle of women in Pakistan and assisting the government.