On Women’s Day: Commission on status of women wins autonomy

President signs bill into law, giving the panel independent status.

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday signed the National Commission on the Status of Women Bill 2012 into law, and expressed optimism that the panel would play an instrumental role in ensuring protection of women’s rights.

Signing the bill to coincide with the International Women’s Day, the president reiterated Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) commitment to working for the well-being of the country’s women, stressing that ‘highlighting the plight of women was part of the PPP’s historic struggle.’

“The National Commission on the Status of Women shall be independent and autonomous; empowered to protect the social, economic, political and legal rights of women,” said the president.

He also lauded the efforts of women legislators in Parliament, stressing that it was their resolve which aided the government’s efforts.

He also remarked that one of the best ways to confront the threat of terrorism in the country was to raise the status of women.

The ceremony was attended by Senate Chairman Farooq H Naek, Speaker National Assembly Fehmida Mirza, federal ministers, parliamentarians and members of civil society.

Exceptional women

At the same time, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani pointed out that during the last four years, historic decisions were taken in political, economic as well as the legislative spheres to empower women.

He was addressing a function held to mark the International Women’s Day at Islamabad’s Convention Centre.

“I would like to congratulate women in general and Pakistani women, in particular, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, who by any standards, constitute a vibrant segment of our society,” said Prime Minister.

The premier also highly praised the steadfastness of Cabinet Secretary Nargis Sethi, pointing out that a woman supported him at a time when men refused to do so.

“When I needed a witness in court, men flinched but a woman sided with me,” he said.

Cabinet Secretary Nargis Sethi recorded her statement as a defence witness in the Supreme Court in a contempt of court case against the premier on Wednesday.

Gilani said that the government is fully cognizant of its responsibility for effective implementation of all women-related legislation.

“I am confident that the institutes of media, civil society, academia and other leading actors will also play their part in implementing these laws in letter and spirit,” he said.

The prime minister urged provincial governments to address the issue of gender equality in light of new political and economic arrangements in the post-devolution framework. WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2012.