Protecting rights of women and providing equal opportunities without any discrimination, the International Women Day (IWD) was observed through out the country.A number of events were organized in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to mark the day, commemorated globally on March 8, in which achievement of women were highlighted besides addressing the major hurdles in their way of progress and prosperity.Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Kamran Michael said Government took several legislative, programmatic and administrative steps for well being of women which demonstrated its strong political will and commitment towards women’s empowerment. He said there was no denying the fact that participation of the women at all level was imperative for socio-economic development of a society.The minister said the incumbent democratic government was committed to implement Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s vision for empowerment of women in its true spirit.In a press conference organized by EVAWG Alliance, civil society underlined the fact that gender justice and equality were critical to counter violence against women and girls and this must be envisaged as a priority in all sustainable development goals.Human Rights Commission of Pakistan organized a seminar to recognize a role of human rights defenders and the types of risks faced by them while promoting their cause.Addressing a ceremony organized by Pakistan Bait ul Maal (PBM), Managing Director PBM Barrister, Abid Waheed sheikh informed that currently 157 Women Empowerment Centers (WECs) were working all over the country in which thousand of women got distinguished jobs.On the occasion corporate sector launched Women on Board Pakistan initiative to address the dismal levels of representation of independent women professionals on the leadership positions of companies listed in Pakistan stock exchange.This year theme of the day is “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.”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.The women today are participating in every sphere of life contributing their part to development of the country. In fact, today there is far greater understanding in political parties about women empowerment and this is the reason that electoral reforms package being finalised by the parties envisages greater participation of women in direct electoral process. Incidents of women related violence are still a scar on our society. The federal and provincial governments should realise their responsibilities to fulfil their obligations regarding the protection of women. The steps should be taken to ensure equal participation of women in all spheres of life and it will help country to move on path of progress and prosperity.
