Dozens of female lawyers voiced their demands for the appointment of women judges in higher and superior judiciary on Women’s Day.
Addressing a seminar organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in this regard, SCBA president Asma Jahangir, Justice (r) Nasira Javed Iqbal, Deputy Attorney General Shaista Qaisar and others voiced their demands before the Lahore High Court (LHC) chief justice, who was also present on the occasion. Supreme Court Judge Mian Saqib Nisar also participated in the seminar.
Ms Jahangir and other speakers deplored the situation of women in the Pakistani judiciary, saying that there wasn’t a single female judge in the Lahore High Court (LHC) or the Supreme Court. “We demand the appointment of female judges so that women can be given due representation,” Jahangir said.
Aurat Foundtaion also arranged a seminar on the occasion with the theme “Pathway to decent work for women”. Speakers at the event focused on the importance of educating women, especially in science and technology.
Talk-show host Naseem Zahra talked about the historical importance of International Women’s Day and stressed the need for incorporating women in the work force.
Meanwhile, Gulberg College for Women (GCW) organised a seminar on Tuesday in collaboration with the Directorate of Women Development Punjab (DWDP) as a Women’s Day tribute to the women of Pakistan.
Students, teachers and senior faculty attended speaking sessions by activist Umme Lailah, GCW principal Parveen Qamar and reporter Arifa Subah Khan and DWDP chief guest Sajjad Haider Sipra.
The seminar sought to highlight the importance of Women’s Day. The speakers also quoted from the Quran and Hadith. Hafiz Muhammad Ilyas said “Many ahadith speak about equal rights for women. In fact, Islam favours women over men in many areas. I wish that our government would keep this in mind and do more for the uplift of Pakistani women.”
Umme Lailah spoke about the role of women in various professions, informal sectors and their contribution to the global economy. “Most Pakistani women are earning less than $2-a-day. The main reason for the injustice involved a cultural prejudice against women joining the workforce,” she said. “We are currently facing the worst economic crisis and inflation has climbed from 12.4 to 24.8 per cent within the past three years. The national economy cannot thrive if 70% of the population survives on Rs1,500 to Rs4,000 per month. We need more women to join the workforce.”
Arifa Subah Khan said “There needs to be a balance between a man and woman’s responsibilities.” The session included a recitation from “Binte Hawa”.
Chief guest Sajjad Haider Sipra said “this day is a reminder for everyone to pay attention to the condition of women in Pakistan and for us to take steps to make their lives better.”
PU organises Women’s Day walk and gala
The Punjab University (PU) Gender Studies department chairperson Prof Samar Fatima led a walk at the PU New Campus. The walk concluded in front of the vice chancellor’s office. Several faculty members including Raana Malik, Sadia Akbar, Faiza, Nadia participated in the event along with a large number of students.
Addressing the participants of the walk, VC Prof Mujahid Kamran said “The education of women has been sorely neglected in the past but now girls are much more conscious of their rights. This year 63 percent of our new graduates are women. This is a huge step forward for women.”
Over 100 students participated in the walk. Student Sajida Khalid said “Women’s rights should be taken seriously at every level.” Dr Samar Fatima said “Women’s Day is celebrated once a year but the message it brings should stay with us throughout the year.” VC Kamran also inaugurated a Woman’s gala at the department where books, fabrics, jewelry, skin care cosmetics, reproductive health brochures on display by students and NGOs.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2011.
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