LAHORE : International Women’s Day is being observed on March 8 worldwide to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
This year theme of the day is “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.â€
The idea of this theme is to consider how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal number 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls; and number 4: Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.
The theme will also focus on new commitments under UN Women’s Step It Up initiative, and other existing commitments on gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s human rights.
Some key targets of the 2030 Agenda:
By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes.
By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education.
End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
To mark the day in Pakistan, various governmental and non-government organizations have planned to hold programs to pay tribute to the services of women.
PM NAWAZ’S MESSAGE
In his message, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the Constitution of Pakistan supports the equal status of women. Article 18 of the Constitution provides equal space to women in every lawful profession, while Article 25 lays down the principles of non-discrimination and affirmative action in their case.
He mentioned that Pakistan is making wholehearted efforts to honor and implement its international commitments. The Government of Pakistan has ratified seven Core Human Rights Conventions, including the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
It is a national obligation to provide for the participation of women at every level to make them valuable and productive members of society, added the PM.
“Our government is working on key human rights priority areas concerning women, which include formulation of national policy guidelines on Gender Based Violence, reviewing all discriminatory legislation against women, establishment of new crisis centers and strengthening of existing services at district, provincial and federal levels,†Nawaz Sharif stated.
He further highlighted that the Government has taken several important initiatives including policy changes, legal reforms, access to justice, protection of women, children, minorities and vulnerable populations.
In his message on the occasion, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres pledged to do everything to overcome entrenched prejudice, support engagement and activism, and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
