A four day seminar on "Muslim Women: Through the lens of history, religion, law and society," organised by the Centre of Biomedical Ethics and Culture (CBEC), SIUT, began on Monday and will extend until Thursday. Speakers include national and international scholars.
Professor Farhat Moazam Chairperson of CBEC welcomed the guests and participants who attended the inaugural session. Discussing the evolution of CBEC, she said that since 2006 this centre has produced forty-one postgraduates in biomedical ethics who are now teaching ethics in different institutions of the country. She explained that the aim of the CBEC seminar is to begin a public dialogue on the status of women in Pakistan and discuss the ways in which laws and social norms affect their position in society.
Professor Adibul Hasan Rizvi, Director SIUT in his inaugural speech said that in the perception of many the woman is thought of only as a housewife, but this seminar will help to highlight the ethical, social, and economical aspects that impact the lives of women. He said it is now time for us to work together in Pakistan for equal rights of woman.
Asma Jahangir, President Supreme Court Bar Association discussed "The role of Pakistani women in nation building." She said that in Pakistan women have not been given equal credit and rights since the creation of the country. Women are exploited, treated as second class citizens, but have continued to struggle and work for their rights. She gave the example of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah who stood against dictator Ayub Khan, and noted that Pakistan had the first woman Prime Minister in the Muslim world.
She said that nation building however, is only possible when there is a change in the mind set of the population and women are seen as equal citizens. Peace is also very important in this effort, and if there is intolerance the society cannot develop. The main hindrances to nation building are poverty, injustice, and lack of education. She said that if we can spend our resources in alleviating poverty and improving education, Pakistan will prosper.-PR
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