Uzair bin Farid

President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi has called for a greater role of women in economic, political and social spheres to utilise their potential for ensuring progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Speaking at a women leaders awards ceremony in connection with the International Women's Day, the president said women should work outside of their homes and the society should provide them appropriate opportunities to excel in their respective fields.

“Men should take it upon themselves to address concerns of women regarding harassment at workplaces,” he said. Dr Alvi said Pakistan lags behind other countries in terms of gender parity and practical steps are needed to bridge the gap among men and women in terms of social and economic inclusion. He shared the example of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Founder of the Nation) whose sister Fatima Jinnah stood shoulder to shoulder with him during the movement for creation of Pakistan.

"We cannot afford to keep women confined to the homes if we want to make economic progress," he emphasised, adding that countries like China made phenomenal progress by making women part of the economic endeavours.The president said Islam gives rights to women including her right to inheritance many centuries back, at a time when there was no concept of these rights in other societies.

“The male-dominated business class should encourage their female family members to become part of economic ventures,” he advised. The president said banks have made available loans for women who should be guided and mentored so that they could avail these loans from financial institutions and start their own businesses.

The president said the initiatives of social protections like Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) have contributed to the social and economic empowerment of women. The programme was a success because women were made direct beneficiaries as money was put in their hands and they were given responsibility to take decisions for the financial betterment of their families. He said the process of digitisation is helping women to work from the security of their homes. Arif Alvi said Pakistan took a significant step when it gave representation to women in the parliament, adding more such proactive steps are needed to increase participation of women.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk