International Women’s Day marked in KP

PESHAWAR: Many functions were organised in the provincial metropolis and elsewhere in KP to mark the International Women’s Day where calls were made for investing in women to shape a better future for all in the country.
The International Women's Day theme for this year was “Investing in women: Accelerate progress.”
Gandhara Hindko Academy arranged a programme to celebrate the day. Eminent women rights activist and Ombudsperson KP for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, Rukhshanda Naz, presided over while an academician Waheeda Ghafoor was the chief guest.
Rukhshanda Naz said women had a pivotal role in the social and economic development of the country. She said it was lamentable that they faced discriminatory attitudes and their enormous contributions were not duly acknowledged
She said March 8 was meant to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world.
“We need to honour women’s contributions to society and renew our commitments to women’s empowerment and gender equality,” said Rukshanda Naz, who is a lawyer by profession and known for promoting women's causes.
Other speakers said this year’s theme of the International Women; 's Day --  “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” – pointed to the importance of investing in initiatives promoting women’s economic empowerment, access to education, healthcare, and participation in decision-making processes.
Emergency Response Unit hosted a function where the speakers paid rich tributes to the role of women in every sphere of life including public health at an event held in connection with International Women's Day. Commissioner Peshawar Muhammad Zubair was the chief on this occasion.
The event was organized by the Provincial Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with the District Emergency Operations Center (DEOC) Peshawar.
The event was also attended by Deputy Coordinator EOC Muhammad Zeeshan Khan, Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Afaq Wazir, officials of district administration and health department, representatives of UNICEF, WHO and NSTOP, officials of EOC and DEOC as well as frontline women health workers.
Peshawar Commissioner Muhammad Zubair said women played a key role in every sphere of life and their services and efforts should be acknowledged and appreciated at all levels.
He acknowledged that the key role of women in all walks of human life is being recognized both in Islam and in Pashtun culture, adding that it was our responsibility to ensure the provision of these rights to women so that they may be able to render their services to their full potential.
Appreciating the role of frontline health workers in polio eradication, he said that as a result of the hard work, matchless sacrifices and strong commitment of polio workers, we will be able to protect our future generations from the crippling disease of polio.
Deputy Coordinator Emergency Operations Center Muhammad Zeeshan thanked said we had gathered here today to recognize and pay rich tributes to the untiring efforts, matchless sacrifices and strong resolve of our female health workers who have been at the forefront of the polio eradication programme.
The event concluded with the distribution of shields and certificates among female frontline workers for their hard work and exceptional performance in polio eradication efforts.
Rescue 1122 hosted a function at the service provincial headquarters to mark the day. Director General Dr Khateer Ahmad paid glowing tributes to women for playing many roles in different spheres of life. He said over 100 women were working with the Rescue 1122 service alongside male colleagues. “They can cope with any emergencies which is highly commendable,” said the Rescue 1122 chief.
The Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Department and KP Commission on the Status of Women arranged a ceremony to mark the day. Secretary of Social Welfare Aneela Durrani was the chief guest. A cake was cut on the occasion.
Functions were arranged as well in other districts of KP to celebrate the day.