Women empowerment: Call for implementation of pro-women laws

Rights activists demand increase in job quota for women.

ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a seminar on Thursday called for implementation of laws meant to safeguard women’s rights.

The seminar was organised by the Potohar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA) at the National Library in connection with the International Women’s Day, which is to be marked on March 8.

Participants said women continue to suffer due to weak implementation of laws.



PODA Executive Director Sameena Nazir said, “Pakistani women and girls have achieved tremendously over the years but they still have a long way to go before we can ensure protection of their rights across the country.” She said many women awaited justice after suffering violence.

US Embassy Cultural Attache Judith Ravin said that the International Women’s Day celebrates women’s economic, social and political achievements. “It also challenges the society to re-examine women’s issues that may require corrective action. Sometimes, making this happen means empowering women and girls to dream beyond their imagined limitations,” she said.

“Unfortunately, violence against women exists in all countries whether rich or poor, developed or underdeveloped. Therefore, ending gender- based violence globally is a priority for the US,” she added.

On the occasion, writer and activist Kishwar Naheed read her poem “Mein Kon Hoon” narrating feelings of a woman vendor. She said the weak implementation of pro-women laws is weakening our women and demanded a 15 per cent quota in government jobs for women. She also urged to involve women in the decision making process.

Film maker Samar Minallah screened a documentary titled, “Culture of Impunity-Crossing Barriers”, which highlighted the issue of forced marriages in Pakistani society.

A theatre group of Christian youths from France Colony, F-7, also presented a play on the subject of forced marriages.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2015.