Australian HC hosts discussion on rights of women

Islamabad: High Commissioner of Australia Margaret Adamson in collaboration with president Ladies Fund Tara Dawood today hosted a panel discussion on ‘Women who are shattering glass ceilings,’ says a press release.

Drawing on International Women’s Day 2019 theme “More Powerful Together,” the event aimed at bringing together men and women from across the public and private sector, civil society and academia to recognize the importance of partnerships in creating a world that offers equal rights and opportunities to women and girls.

“Pakistan has given the world many examples of women shattering the glass ceiling and rising to the very top. International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate and reflect on progress made by these women, and to recommit to challenging the persistent barriers to gender equality and women’s empowerment,” said the high commissioner while also highlighting that Australia pursues the goal of equal opportunity for women and girls - both at home and abroad.

“As members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (2018-20) and Parties to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Australia is committed to working with Pakistan to advance the rights of women and girls.

Promoting equality and the rights of women and girls is Australian Government’s key policy and aid priority in Pakistan,” she added.

The panelists included renowned beauty entrepreneur and philanthropist Musarrat Misbah, women rights and water activist, Simi Kamal and CEO of the Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company, Yasir Asfaq.