Equal opportunities: Women empowerment help give them autonomy

Education is an essential means to empower women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence. This was said by Dr Fiona Bartels Ellis, head of Equality and Diversity at the British Council, who was at Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) on Tuesday as a guest lecturer.

According to a press release, Dr Ellis told the students that women empowerment is not only an issue in Pakistan, but in many parts of the world. She emphasised that women need to recognise their own projection, potential and barriers. Dr Ellis said that sustainable development is only possible when men and women enjoy equal opportunities. She also highlighted issues relating to the professional development of women.



Earlier, FJWU Vice Chancellor Dr Samina Amin Qadir said that gender equality means equal distribution of power and responsibilities, while on the other hand, women empowerment is giving more power and autonomy to women.

“We have complex system of historical and cultural aspects where women are disadvantaged, but in the last decade, the government has taken several steps to empower women,” added Dr Qadir

The lecture was attended by the heads of different departments, faculty members and students of the university.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2013.