RAWALPINDI: The First Lady told the gathering that Pakistan has passed the Property Rights Act to ensure women’s property rights and protect their property from illegal possession. Similarly, the Federal Ombudsman for Elimination of Workplace Harassment has also been established to provide them with a safe working environment.
First Lady Samina Arif Alvi said that self-reliance of women is inevitable for socio-economic development and prosperity of any country.
Speaking at a seminar organized in connection with International Women’s Day at Rawalpindi Women’s University in collaboration with SOS Foundation, the First Lady said that Islam has guaranteed women full rights and now it is our responsibility to give them their rightful place and protection in society.
She commended Rawalpindi Women University for not only empowering young women through education but also giving them awareness about important economic and social issues.
She said International Women’s Day was an opportunity to take stock of the country’s progress on women’s rights and commit to greater efforts needed in this regard.
The First Lady said that although they make up about half of the population, women’s participation in various sectors is still low, which calls for more efforts to empower them economically.
Citing the Quaid-e-Azam’s strong support for women’s rights, she said there are many examples of successful working women in Islamic history such as Hazrat Khadija as well as in the history of Pakistan including Fatima Jinnah, Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan and Benazir Bhutto , which have created an important place in practical life.
She said the active participation of women in various fields proved that they can effectively contribute to the development and prosperity of the country through hard work and dedication.
The first lady highlighted the issue of breast cancer and stressed to women to do self-examination as early diagnosis increases the chances of recovery.
She said frequent messaging and awareness helped remove allied taboos and hesitations among women, which helped in early diagnosis. She also called for special focus on the issue of mental health as it is not yet taken seriously in the country.
Samina Alvi said that people with various disabilities make up about 10-12 percent of the population, but they do not have proper representation in society, including in education and employment.
She called on society including public, private and business organizations to facilitate DAP access to their premises by building ramps and ensuring wheelchair accessibility.
SOS Foundation CEO Shaista Sohail praised the First Lady’s role in social issues and called for practical measures such as the inclusion of women in decision-making about their independence.
Rawalpindi Women’s University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Aneela Kamal said that the graduates of the university have brought laurels to the country in various fields. The institution has taken several pro-women steps such as establishing a Women Development Center and providing financial assistance.
First Lady Samina also distributed medals and prizes among the female students who excelled in various games.
‘Women’s self-dependence vital for socio-economic development’
