"The role of women in developing a peaceful society and a prosperous nation is undeniable," said Naveeda Khwaja, Director Programmes at Potohar Organisation for Development and Advocacy (PODA). She was addressing the esteemed guests gathered at the Prize Distribution Ceremony for the Essay Competition.
The event was organised by PODA in collaboration with European Union to emphasise on the importance of peace. Contestants were selected from leading universities all over Pakistan. Social Sciences, Humanities and Law Departments' students participated in the competition organised to mark the World Peace Day. The event was attended by about 70 representatives of many organisations, institutes and societies.
Stephano Gatto, Acting Head of the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, accentuated the role of women in building a progressive community. He said, "It may be surprising for you that even in Europe there is an unbalanced gender distribution in opportunities". "Traditions cannot be a reason to work together for betterment," he iterated. Valerie Khan Yousafzai, President of Group Development, Pakistan commended the efforts of the students and said, "Definition of peace building is very well described by the youngsters. We hope to see more women in more high places to foster peace".
Saima Iftikhar said many countries had come up with national action plan which highlighted and involved women; they had to be brought forward to have equal participation, adding: "Women have played a nasty role in violating the peace of the world but now we want to help, support and facilitate peace efforts of our counter parts." Nanna Stolze, First Secretary, Political Affairs, Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands, stressed that peace was the only way to prosperity. "Role of women is something to be recognised. Both men and women have to stand and work together to make sure that the challenge achieving world peace does not stay a dream." The jury comprised Dr Iftikhar Hassan, former Dean of Social Science Department Fatima Jinnah University, Dr Zarina Salamat, Vice Chairperson, Council of Social Sciences, Islamabad, and Najam Saighal, Writer and Editor, former co-ordinator of Gender programmes of UN.-PR