Gender equality: Female empowerment conference wants to help women overcome health issues

Social rights and common diseases, such as breast cancer, will be focused upon.

KARACHI:

Health experts say that breast cancer among girls is increasing in the country, with girls as young as 21 being diagnosed of the disease, while the number of women who suffer from hepatitis C is also on the rise due to a lack of awareness and health facilities.

Pakistan National Forum on Women Health president Dr Shershah Syed, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Karachi general-secretary Dr Qazi Wasiq and Advance Educational Institute and Research Centre (AEIRC) CEO Sadaf Ahmed were among those who spoke about women’s health related issues, rights and status and measures taken for them across the country during a conference organised to empower women.

The press conference was held at Karachi Press Club on Monday to mark a three-day international women conference - jointly organised by the PMA, Tehrik-e-Niswan, All Pakistan Women’s Association and the AEIRC - which will begin from June 24 at PMA House.



The conference will be open to the public and Ahmed felt that it is important for youngsters to attend the event and improve their knowledge of social and health issues. “We want the youth of the country, especially girls, to be a part of this conference,” said Ahmed. “There will be sessions like ‘identity and relationships’ in which personal mentoring will be provided.”

She added that issues related to female health and the status of women in society would be highlighted in the conference. She pointed out that the government and political parties have failed to address women’s issues, including their right to a healthy life.

A play on women rights will be staged at the All Pakistan Women’s Association and positive films will be shown to inspire women. A panel discussion will also be held on June 25, which would include general audience, activists and practitioners. A scientific session will conducted on the last day of the conference in which new researches will be discussed. Dr Syed said that patients with breast cancer are rarely found in developed countries, saying that even though it is a hereditary disease it can be avoided.

“Our women are facing serious health related issues, including breast cancer, ovarian cervical and uterine cancer,” he said. “Women in rural areas don’t get timely treatment.”

He criticised available public health facilities, saying that they lack screening for various kinds of cancers. “The cases of cervical cancer are decreasing drastically in developed countries and we should also rid Pakistan of this disease,” he said.

Dr Syed demanded that midwives and nurses should be appointed in education institutions as they could spread awareness related to the diseases, especially breast cancer.

“The women in Pakistan are not even allowed to continue their studies or work or choose their own life partners according to their own wishes,” he added. “Unfortunately, it happens even in prominent families.”

“Women in our society are not empowered at all,” said Dr Wasiq. “Our society needs to be aware of the rights of women and should ensure that they are provided to them,” he added, saying that without active participation of women, society will not progress.

“Girls go through a rigorous procedure to become doctors but then they get married and sit at home, doing nothing. We want these women to give back to society by becoming practising doctors,” urged Dr Wasiq.

The speakers said that the government has done nothing to prevent organised violence against women. The victims of violence have no place to go and often do not receive justice.

Another problem that was brought to the front was related to insufficient data available regarding the number of patients suffering from cancer. “The Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey has only been conducted thrice, which is insufficient,” said AEIRC managing director Shamoon Naushad. “In this conference we will be discussing our new researches and we will also release updated data.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2014.