Govt determined to empower women: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Mar 8 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the government is determined to implement the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for empowerment of women.Speaking on the occasion of 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day here on Tuesday, Prime Minister Gilani said the present democratic government is fully cognizant of the existing issues and problems being faced by women ranging from domestic to national life.He said the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day of “access to education, training, science & technology” is in accordance with the march of time.
The government has taken significant initiatives for the social, political and economic empowerment of women, he added.
The Prime Minister said each year International Women’s Day provides an occasion for taking stock of the progress and reflecting on the challenges that remain in the pursuit of gender equality.
He paid tribute to the brave women, who played a major role in the creation of Pakistan.
“Without their commitment, sacrifices, and struggle, it would not have been possible to realize the reality of Pakistan,” he said.
He congratulated women around the world who are working tirelessly to end violence, prejudice and biases against them.
The Prime Minister said discrimination against women weakens society as a whole.“Women’s rights issues are not limited to Pakistan alone.
Other countries in the region are also faced with similar problems and barriers of archaic traditions and practices.”  
Gilani said no society can move forward without undoing the discriminatory attitudes and laws regarding women.
He noted that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto always placed women’s empowerment agenda on her top priority.
“She encouraged women to come forward and contribute to the national progress,” he said adding, “We will not bow down before the agenda of the extremists who believe in destroying girls schools.”
The Prime Minister said the government is determined to mainstream women’s issues in the policies of the government.
National Policy for Development and Empowerment of Women, 2002 and National Plan of Action is being reviewed in the light of the current requirements and the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.
He said the government is addressing the subject of economic empowerment of women through various initiatives.
“Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the largest ever program to provide financial support directly to the women of poor households is the bedrock of these initiatives.”
Among others, it provides skills and technical training, health insurance and loans of upto Rs. 300,000, he said adding BISP has provided Rs. 25,000 for female beneficiaries in the flood affected areas.
The Prime Minister said BISP is not only contributing directly to the income of five million poor families across the country but has also empowered women by channeling cash transfers through them.
He congratulated Speaker of National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza who took the initiative to launch the women caucus of 90 women parliamentarians.
“These committed women parliamentarians have been addressing the agenda of women development and empowerment across party lines for the rights of women in Pakistan.”
Gilani expressed his government’s commitment to a strong legislative cover to address women issues, which is evident through the measures taken so far.
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2009 has been enacted alongwith Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act passed by the parliament last year, he added.
 
The Prime Minister said the laws for protection of women will provide opportunities to them to join private and public sectors without any fear.
“Gender inequality remains a big challenge to socio-economic development in Pakistan. Female participation rate in labour is only 21%, compared to males, which is at 69%. I am determined to change the plight of women in my country,” he added.  
Gilani said establishment of working women hostels, provision of transport facilities to female employees and establishment of day care centers are part of the government’s initiative to resolve the problems of working women.
“We are committed to providing a conducive environment to the working women so that they are able to join the work force with confidence and without fear. On my directives, CDA has allotted two plots in sector G-6/2 and G-7/3 of Islamabad for construction of working women’s hostels,” he said adding necessary funds have been allocated during this financial year for their construction.
He urged women to work together to create a society based on equality of opportunities justice, tolerance and prosperity for the people.
The Prime Minister said a draft Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) bill is also in the process of enactment.
Discriminatory laws are being amended with the collaboration of National Commission on the Status of women, NGOs and members of the civil society, he said adding Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Centers for Women are being increased from 25 to 70, so that immediate relief may be provided to the female victims of violence.  
Gilani said economic empowerment projects are part of the government’s efforts to create income generating activities for marginalized women.
Office of the Ombudsperson has been established, which is a significant and historical step towards taking cognisance of women’s issues, he said adding Ms. Mussarat Hilali has been appointed as the first Ombudsperson and her work will herald a new chapter in addressing women’s problems quickly and effectively.
“Establishment Division has also been monitoring 10% quota reserved for women in the federal government employment as well as the provinces. This will increase women’s role in policy and decision making in the public sector. My government has also delisted the First Women Bank from the privatization list.”
The Prime Minister said he directed Ministry of Finance to strengthen First Women’s Bank through better management and financial position so that it may play a vital role in the economic empowerment of women in accordance with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who established the bank in 1995.
Gilani said National Commission on the Status of Women is being granted administrative and financial autonomy for efficient working.   
Necessary legislation in this respect has been prepared after consultation with the stakeholders, which will be placed before the cabinet in its next meeting for approval before it is sent to the parliament for enactment, he added.
Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan and Chairperson BISP Farzana Raja also attended the event.