Sri Lankan Deputy Minister for Petroleum Resources Development Dr Anoma Gamage termed Pakistani women parliamentarians “strong and assertive” as compared to the other countries in South Asia.
“They were playing a vital role in changing lives of women at the grassroots level in the country,” she told the news agency.
Sri Lankan minister, who came to Pakistan to attend ‘International conference on Role of Women Parliamentarians in Strengthening Democracy and Social Justice’, said Pakistani parliament did a lot of work for promulgating pro-women laws, and they had a good experience to empower women for their bright future.
The majority of the women faced the same issue in the region, she said, adding such an international forum not only gave them an open forum to discuss their issues but draw strategies collectively to counter their problems and raise their voice.
Turkey Member Parliament Zuhal Topcu said that Pakistan had always been a friendly, brotherly and loving country, adding, “People of Pakistan always welcome us with open hearts and stand with Turkey in every difficult time.”
“It is always a good experience to visit here, as it is a second home for us,” she added.
She further said they felt fully secured here and would give a message to the world to “come here and witness the truth rather than building their perceptions on the basis of propaganda.”
Nepal Member Parliament Pemba Lama said that she came to Pakistan for the first time and it was a wonderful experience, noting it was quite different as to what is portrayed through the media.
She said: “People of Pakistan are peace loving, kind natured, and visionary to protect and promote women in their society. They welcomed all of us warmly.”
The founding member of Women Parliamentary Caucus Pakistan Dr Fehmida said that they did not want to lead their male counterparts, but were only endeavouring to prove their abilities and empower themselves.
She stated that it is their right to be included in the policies and legislation drafted for women rights, adding that, “our slogan is ‘Nothing for us without us’”.
Member National Assembly Yasmeen Abbasi said they want equal participation in every field and the best way to assert pressure is to raise a collective voice.
She said the participants of the conference were of the view that majority of the issues faced by the women are same so it is better to launch joint efforts for the permanent solution of their issues.
