Panelists at a discussion here on Friday highlighted the role of women in a fast changing world and emphasized the need to promote gender equality, women empowerment and women rights. The panel discussion titled ‘Think Equal, Build Smart and Innovate for Change’ was organized by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in connection with the International Women’s Day at the National Headquarters. It was attended by renowned women rights activists, including Advocate Sarkar Abbas, Fajer Rabbia Pasha, Ms Zeba and Dia Sheikh.
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and deepest appreciation on behalf of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society to all those who have contributed towards promoting the human rights of women in their personal or institutional capacity, and to all those courageous women and men who continue to work for empowerment and well-being of the women of Pakistan,” PRCS Chairman Dr Saeed Elahi said while speaking on the occasion. “We hold those women to high pedestal who never let their disability overpower them and who unleashed their hidden potential in a challenging world for development and prosperity of the country,” he said, adding that PRCS Women Forum addresses the specific needs of women and girls in times of natural and manmade disasters.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairman Nagiub Ullah Malik said the PRCS remains committed to empowerment of women and the Women’s Forum is the right platform for women to fight the hardened culture of gender disparity, machismo and contribute towards women empowerment.
Secretary General Khalid Bin Majeed said the PRCS is sparing no effort to open more avenues for the women to serve the society in different roles. He said some 1,246,084 women have so far benefitted from different programs.
Earlier, Dr Tahira Shahid briefed the participants about the Women Forum’s achievements and activities during the recent years. The briefing was followed by a tableau performance by the students of Mishal Public School highlighting the issues facing women.
At the end, mementos were distributed among the women participants and guest speakers. Wheelchairs were also distributed among the disabled women by the DIA Foundation. The event was attended by prominent women personalities, members of PRCS Women Forum, lawyers, doctors, healthcare professionals, teachers, members of Pakistan Girl Guides Association, civil society representatives and volunteers.
Published in Daily Times, March 9th 2019.
