First lady backs women in housing, motherhood

SHAHEED BENAZIRABAD:

First Lady and Member of the National Assembly Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said that home ownership is not merely a legal entitlement, but a lasting symbol of security and dignity for families.

Speaking at the distribution ceremony of ownership rights under the Sindh People's Housing for Flood-Affected (SPHF) Project, she announced that under the SPHF initiative, the govt is constructing 2.1 million homes to rebuild lives affected by catastrophic flooding. A distinctive and empowering feature of the project, she noted, is that each plot of land is being registered in the name of the woman of the household. This, she said, reflects a commitment to gender equality and lasting empowerment.

Calling the SPHF Project a testament to Chairman Bilawal's vision and dedication to public service, Aseefa linked the initiative to the legacy of her grandfather, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. "He promised land, shelter, and dignity to every citizen. Our chairman is fulfilling that promise today."

World Breastfeeding Week

As World Breastfeeding Week 2025 begins, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also urged Pakistan to strengthen its national support system for all mothers - whether they breastfeed, use formula, or combine both. She said that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods up to two years, offers critical health benefits, including stronger immunity and enhanced cognitive development for children, as well as reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancer for mothers.

However, she stressed that no mother should ever feel judged or unsupported if she is unable to breastfeed exclusively. "Some women face medical complications, such as premature births, surgeries, or health conditions, that make breastfeeding unsafe. These mothers deserve care, clear guidance on safe supplementation, and the same dignity and respect we offer to breastfeeding mothers," she said.

Aseefa called for a national approach that empowers every mother with accurate information, expert counselling, and full access to appropriate feeding options. She urged policymakers to implement and enforce strong regulations on the marketing of breast-milk substitutes so that mothers receive impartial, science-based advice. She also called on employers to provide paid maternity leave, flexible working hours, and designated lactation spaces, noting that such policies not only support breastfeeding but also reduce stress for mothers who rely on formula.