The British High Commission on Wednesday hosted a Chevening debate to recognise the importance of Pakistani women as agents of change in accelerating social, economic and political progress.
Young women from different fields of study debated with senior Chevening alumni on the important roles women can play in all aspects of society, said a release.
The Chevening alumni who spoke at the session included former Member National Assembly Yasmeen Rehman, advocate Muhammad Aslam Khaki, and former Registrar Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) Dr Maryam Rab. They were joined by FJWU Vice-Chancellor Dr Samina Amin Qadir.
British High Commissioner Philip Barton said, “Today, we are highlighting just a few of examples of the important role that women play in Pakistan every day. They are not only victims of social crimes and violence, but are also a source of inspiration and a catalyst for change.”
He said in the last two years, Pakistani women have brought home an Oscar, an Emmy, the Nobel Peace Prize and a gold medal in cricket at the Asian Games. Pakistan also had the honour of being the first Muslim nation to have a female prime minister.
“As a long standing partner of Pakistan, the UK is working with the Government of Pakistan and various non-government organisations to invest in the future of women and girls,” said the high commissioner.
Over the coming years, the UK will provide support which will benefit over five million girls in schools, provide monthly cash transfers to women of 300,000 poorest families and help an additional 900,000 women to access microfinance loans, said the release.
Barton said the Chevening scholarship programme offers an opportunity for the future female leaders of Pakistan to be agents of change.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2014.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ