LAHORE: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Ali Shah has said that the social development of women is linked to their economic empowerment.

He emphasised that those women are socially stronger than others who have more financial autonomy.

He was addressing the opening session of the two-day international conference on ‘Women, Peace & Security: Issues, Challenges & Way Forward’ organised by Punjab University Department of Gender Studies at Al-Razi Hall here on Thursday.

Prof Shah highlighted the need for education for women and their practical role in the economic cycle of the country.

He pointed out that the problems of rural and urban women are different, which should be addressed separately.

He said rural to urban migration has become an important issue of our society due to which “we are facing shortage of workforce in village areas.”

He said women should realise their rights and a change in the mindset of the society is necessary for the development of women.

He said women are facing problems all over the world and no woman has been able to become president in the USA till now but Pakistan had Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as prime minister and now Maryam Nawaz became the Punjab chief minister. He said women are not less than anyone in terms of capabilities.

Allama Iqbal Open University VC Dr Nasir Mahmood said women do not have real representation in Pakistan.

He said many reforms have been introduced for women but problems still exist.

He said there are comprehensive laws for the welfare of women in Pakistan but the real problem is their implementation.

Women Development Department secretary Sumaira Samad said the government had taken a number of initiatives and provided relief to the women and improved their living standard.

She said the government is ensuring the welfare of women with the support of stakeholders and research on women’s problems and their solutions should be promoted in universities.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2024