Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday called for a greater role of women in political, economic, and social spheres to utilize their potential for ensuring the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Speaking at the Women Leaders Awards ceremony organized by a private television channel in connection with International Women’s Day 2023, the President said women should work outside their homes, and society should offer them appropriate opportunities to perform in their respective fields.
President Alvi, male members should take it upon themselves to address the concerns of women regarding harassment in workplaces.
The President said Pakistan lagged behind other countries in terms of gender parity, and practical steps were needed to bridge the gap between men and women in terms of economic and social inclusion.
“We cannot afford to confine women to their homes if we want economic progress,” the President emphasized, adding countries like China made phenomenal progress by making women part of the economic endeavors.
The President said Islam ensured rights to women, including her right to inheritance, many centuries back, at a time when there was no concept of these rights in other societies. He pointed out; women were given these fundamental rights in the western world just in the last century.
He shared the example of Hazrat Khadija (RA), the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was a businesswoman in her own right.
He advised that the male-dominated business class should encourage their female family members to become part of economic ventures.
President Alvi says Islam ensures women’s rights
The President said commercial banks had made available loans for women who should be guided and mentored so that they could avail of these loans from financial institutions and start their businesses.
He said it was unfortunate that the majority of women in our country were deprived of the right of inheritance despite the teachings of Islam, he noted.
Talking about education for girls, he said more than 20 million children in Pakistan were out of school, whereas countries like India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka had achieved almost hundred percent enrollment at the primary level. He apprised that the enrollment of children in primary schools was at 68 percent in Pakistan.
President Alvi said the initiatives of social protections like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) contributed to women’s social and economic empowerment.
The program was a success because women were made direct beneficiaries as money was put in their hands, and they were given the responsibility to make decisions for the financial betterment of their families, he said.
Talking about the increasing population, he said there were nine million unwanted pregnancies in the country every year. The issue could be tackled by creating awareness among women about the availability of long-term contraceptives.
He said the awards were a recognition of women who contributed to the betterment of society in diverse social and economic spheres.
Begum Samina Alvi, the wife of President Dr Alvi, also spoke on occasion and highlighted different programs launched for the empowerment and welfare of marginalized segments of society, especially women and children.
