International Mother’s Day: Dialogue highlights mothers’ role in peace efforts

The event was organised by Chanan Development Association.

LAHORE:

Over 500 students from government and private schools across the city participated in an event that highlighted the role of mothers in peace efforts. It was held at the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (PILAC) on Thursday.

Organised by Chanan Development Association (CDA), the event marked International Mother’s Day.

Speaking on the occasion, CDA’s director Muhammad Shahzad Khan said over the past few years Mother’s Day had been celebrated in Pakistan with much fervor by children. He said mothers were now being appreciated for their role in families and society at large.

He said it was time to appreciate mothers for their integral role in the life of a child. A dialogue was held on the role of mothers in peacemaking within their families. It also linked this role with their participation in political processes and the parliament. MNA Shaista Pervaiz Mailk, MPAs Sadia Sohail and Kiran Dar, and former MPA Saamia Amjad lauded Chanan Development Association for taking the initiative.

The parliamentarians criticised their male counterparts in the legislature for sidelining the priorities of women members and not encouraging them to take the lead in the legislative process. They also discussed their political parties’ priorities for ensuring the empowerment of women, particularly their plans to present the Child Marriage Act in the Punjab Assembly.

A speech and painting competition were held on the sidelines of the event. The Chanan theatre group also staged a play and engaged the audience in a dialogue on the issue of childhood marriages and their impact on girls’ education.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2014.