‘Denying women rights hampering development’

Islamabad: Complaining Pakistani women confront severe problems in education, healthcare and employment sectors, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday said denying women their due rights hampered the country's economic progress and development.

"There is a need to change the mindset and perception of people regarding women rights and bring them into the mainstream," he said in his message for the International Women Day marked on Wednesday.

The NA speaker said the role of women was very important for prosperity and progress of every society but it was unfortunate that they were abused, harassed, marginalised and compelled around the world to live a miserable life under the constant shadow of violence, discrimination, and poverty.

He urged the international community for collective efforts and better legislation to protect the women's rights. Ayaz Sadiq said Islam gave women equal respect and rights and strictly negated gender discrimination. He said Constitution has granted equal rights for life protection, job, business, education and freedom to choose the profession and for the activities in the political and social spheres.

The NA speaker said the women's representation in public affairs was imperative to the functioning and strengthening of democracy and struggle against the oppression. He said the women needed to be empowered economically and therefore, women entrepreneurs were being encouraged to play an active role in economic activities.

Ayaz Sadiq praised the Women Parliamentary Caucus in National Assembly for working for the protection of women's rights and their political and economic empowerment. He also appreciated the role of non-governmental organisations working for welfare and rights of women.

Also, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi said the government was committed to undertaking every effort to provide a safe environment to the women of Pakistan.

"With the support of all stakeholders including the legislature, judiciary, executive, civil society and media we can achieve a bold transformation in the status of the women of our country," he said. The NA deputy speaker said only with collaborative partnerships, women could be empowered to take their rightful place in society and economy of our country.