International conference: ‘Continued efforts needed for women empowerment’

PESHAWAR:

Women in Pakhtun societies do not exercise their political, social rights and they do not have access to proper education and healthcare facilities. This was discussed in the concluding ceremony of a two-day annual international conference on ‘The Dynamics of Change in Conflict Societies: Pakhtun Region in Perspective’ on Tuesday.

Speakers said that the Pakhtun society is based on patriarchal values, adding that men do not allow females to exercise their rights. In Lower Dir, Shangla and Upper Dir, they said women are barred from politics, adding that men dominate the political arena.

They further said that women themselves observe strict parda (veil) and avoid going to cast vote. “Insufficient infrastructure and socio-economic conditions are responsible for barring women from engaging into politics,” said a speaker.

At government level, there is a lack of awareness of gender issues and financial resources, he added. The speakers stressed the need to overcome to the women issues.

Another speaker said that the women cannot practice their rights and continued efforts were required to uplift their status in society. Speaking at the occasion, University of Peshawar Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Azmat Hayat Khan said students’ participation in the conference was impressive.

Quoting the Chinese proverb “the journey of thousand miles begins with a single step”, he said the conference is a small step and students’ participations in such events could help them bring about bigger changes in future.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2011.