Speakers at a seminar held in connection with the international women's day have called for ensuring women representation in the policymaking process so that their rights could be safeguarded. The seminar was organised by All Pakistan Women Association (APWA) in collaboration with the Human Rights and Minority Affairs Department of Punjab government.
Addressing the seminar, former Justice Dr Nasira Javed Iqbal said that 99 percent of household and 77 percent of working women suffer from violence. In order to save them and strengthen (other) women, one must concentrate on educating them. She said that in all policymaking institutions, 33 percent of women representation should be ensured. She said that only four percent of people have captured all national resources.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Secretary Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Arshad bin Ahmed said that women problems are a big challenge and one should strive hard to extend rights to the womenfolk as per the Qur'an and the Sunnah. He said that it is our collective responsibility to work for the betterment of ladies, adding that institutions like APWA are rendering great services in this regard. He stressed that our religion ensures full security to the women in and outside the houses.
President APWA Punjab, Ms Rohi Syed said that in providing education, health and other facilities to women, APWA is playing a historical role for the last century. She said as per charter of UNO we must ensure women participation in all other development process. She said that international women's day demands striving hard for justice with women folk in the society.
On the occasion, focal person of 'bytes for all', Shehzad Ahmed presented a report on violence against women through the computer and Internet, and called upon ladies to be aware of new techniques of harassment. Dr Nomana Moghal from UK highlighted psychological aspect of women torture.