Pakistan's top leadership ensure equal opportunities for women

President Dr Arif Alvi, PM Imran Khan issue statements on International Women's Day

Although the idea of women’s rights has ruffled the feathers of certain religio-political organisations, who have taken to the streets deeming the procession ‘against the spirit of Islam’ and calling for its termination, it has also garnered widespread support throughout the country.

Most notably the prime minister and the president, in their separate messages on Sunday showcased their solidarity with the movement, have called for ensuring the rights of women and to provide equal opportunities to them in all fields.

In a statement, Prime Minister Imran Khan said, "The observance of International Women’s Day today is reiteration of our commitment to undertake every possible effort to ensure equal rights and opportunities to our women. In this effort we are guided by the teachings of our religion, the Seerat of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the core values that distinguish our society."

"It is indeed encouraging to see that our women are proving their mettle in every walk of life and achieving excellence in their respective fields at national and international level," he added.

"I firmly believe that an inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development can only be ensured by providing equal opportunities and a conducive environment to our women. I reaffirm my pledge on this day to take all measures that would help our women to lead a safe, secure and prosperous life," the premier concluded.

Taking to Twitter early Sunday, President Dr Arif Alvi emphasised ensuring equal opportunities for women in education, health and jobs, besides ensuring their rights of inheritance, safety in all spaces, and no harassment or violence.

Power of women is greater than the pen and sword (Jinnah).

On #WomensDay we agree that Pakistan as a state & all its citizens must ensure for Women:
Equal opportunities in education, health & jobs;
Inclusion;
Ensure inheritance;
Safety in all spaces;
No harassment & no violence. pic.twitter.com/ta6r92MnUD

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) March 8, 2020

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs soon followed suit as its spokesperson, Aisha Farooqui, after quoting Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, payed tribute to Pakistani women, "...whose hard work is contributing towards Nation’s growth and development in every walk of life."

Quaid e Azam had said: No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you. On this #InternationalWomenDay2020 we pay tribute to 🇵🇰 women whose hard work is contributing towards Nation’s growth and development in every walk of life.

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 8, 2020

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wished everyone a, "Happy Women’s Day today and everyday," on his Twitter handle. He also praised the plethora of strong females in his life adding, "May women soar to every height."

As a son to a powerhouse mother, a husband to a progressive wife, a father to strong daughters and a brother to formidable sisters, women continue to inspire my perspective & outlook. Happy Women’s Day today and everyday. May women soar to every height #InternationalWomenDay2020

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) March 8, 2020

Theme for 2020: Equality

"An equal world is an enabled world."

The theme, I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights, is aligned with United Nation Women’s new multi-generational campaign, Generation Equality, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive roadmap for the empowerment of women and girls, everywhere.

"The emerging global consensus is that despite some progress, real change has been agonizingly slow for the majority of women and girls in the world," reads a statement by the UN. "Today, not a single country can claim to have achieved gender equality."

"Multiple obstacles remain unchanged in law and in culture. Women and girls continue to be undervalued; they work more and earn less and have fewer choices; and experience multiple forms of violence at home and in public spaces," it noted "Furthermore, there is a significant threat of rollback of hard-won feminist gains."

UN says the year 2020 represents an unmissable opportunity to mobilize global action to achieve gender equality and human rights of all women and girls.