‘Women’s access to education critical for social development’

Begum Samina Alvi, wife of President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday said guaranteeing equal rights to women, particularly their access to education and health, was critical for the development of society.

She was peaking at a painting exhibition by former ambassador Naela Chohan held in connection with Women’s Day at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA). The solo exhibition titled ‘Art from the heart’ depicted the struggles of women. Chohan’s statement artwork named ‘Bosom’ reflected the perils in the life of a woman in a ‘triangle of death, suffering and hope’.

Samina stressed empowering women by providing them equal opportunities to help them attain their full potential. She emphasised raising awareness about the health issues concerning women, such as breast cancer and mental illness. She said that breast cancer was one of the leading causes of death among women. Also, the country’s 24 percent population suffered mild to moderate psychiatric issues, with the majority of it comprising women.

Samina said the President’s House had also initiated the task of improving access to mental health facilities in Pakistan through a collaborative effort towards the prevention of mental health disorders across the country. With the help of various stakeholders, she said, a mental health helpline and Artificial Intelligence-based chatbots were being launched to provide counselling.

She said a recent study by a screening centre in a public sector hospital revealed that 32 percent of the respondents mentioned that media was their prime source of information on breast cancer and the reason for getting themselves screened.

Former Ambassador Naela Chohan, who served as High Commissioner to Australia besides her diplomatic assignments in 10 countries, said her paintings have a strong visual voice to create awareness about social and women’s issues.

In recognition of her strong advocacy for women’s rights, she said, UNESCO held a solo exhibition of her paintings, which is kept on permanent display at its headquarters in Paris since 2002.

Director General PNCA Ayoub Jamali said PNCA was committed to promoting significant aspects of the country and encouraged community participation.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2023.