This was stated in speeches made by Provincial Ministers Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Begum Zakia Shahnawaz and Begum Hameeda Waheed-ud-Din at the inaugural ceremony of the first Women Development Policy at Aiwan-e-Iqbal under the aegis of Women Development Department on Thursday.
The speakers said that the women of Punjab have the necessary confidence and courage to compete with any other woman in the world.
The basis of this confidence is legislation which has strengthened the multifarious role of the Pakistani women, and as a result, she cannot be deprived of her rights including inheritance, economic empowerment and the fundamental rights of health and education, they said.
They said that a most conducive atmosphere has been arranged for women in every field so that she could play her role with full confidence and courage; however, there is a need to further sensitise the women community about its rights so that she could confidently counter any unjust move in society.
The function was largely attended by women ministers, members of national and provincial assemblies, representatives of health and education departments, police, NGOs, girl guides and media.
Addressing the function, Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that the Punjab government has best performed for women empowerment by ensuring their equitable access to health, education and other sectors.
"Till now, as much as 130,028 deserving women have been given educational stipends worth Rs 6.5 billion. 450,000 girl students are being given monthly stipend for education in different less-developed areas under Zewar-e-Taleem Programme. Similarly, 90 new girl colleges have been established by the government from 2012 till today and free transport facility has also been provided to the students in most of the girl colleges," she added.
The Punjab government has arranged 326 ambulances for meeting the needs of expecting women across the province, she said.
She said that 836,200 deserving women have been given interest-free loans under Chief Minister's Self-Employment Scheme, whereas it is important to note that more than 65 amendments have been introduced to different laws and regulations to provide prompt legal protection to the women in society.
The government is also working to establish separate information desks for women at police stations of 36 districts and in addition to it, violence against women centres are being established to give a strong legal support to the women in need, the minister said.
Provincial Minister Begum Zakia Shahnawaz paid tributes to all women who have played a role in different sectors of life. She paid tributes to the democratic character of Mather-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and said that she raised her voice for protection of democracy in the country.
Provincial Minster Begum Hameeda Waheed-ud-Din provided details of different successes and achievements made by the Women Development Department and paid tributes to the vision of Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif for providing a level playing field to the womenfolk.
Resident UN Coordinator Nail Buhne commended the strong role of Pakistani women and congratulated Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for enacting the anti-harassment law to protect the women community.
A documentary was also shown to highlight the strong role of women in different sectors of life.
National songs were also sung on the occasion.