Women urged to play active role in society

First Lady says women must build themselves up for empowerment

ISLAMABAD:

In a highly competitive world, women must build up themselves in a way that they are capable of being empowered to serve the country apart from helping be an example for the coming generations as well.

This was stated on Monday by First Lady Samina Alvi in a talk. She said that women play a vital role in society and their empowerment was the foremost priority of the incumbent government.

She added that the government has enacted the necessary laws to protect women and children from all types of violence and abuse by prescribing stringent punishments.

Talking about rapes and other sexual abuse incidents, she said that there is a dire need to raise public awareness, the men also need to step forward in this matter.

The whole society has to take steps against them, Alvi said, adding that speedy justice must be ensured without any delay.

“Awareness and accountability are necessary to combat rape culture,” she said, adding, “Action needs to be taken in this regard”.

She further emphasised that each individual must adopt a “zero-tolerance policy” towards sexual harassment and assault. The first lady mentioned that the federal government will soon pass an ordinance to award strict punishments to rape convicts.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2020.