QUETTA: Acting Governor and Speaker of Balochistan Assembly Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani has emphasised the need for taking practical measures for financial independence of women, adding that women could protect their rights by making themselves financially independent and strong.

Addressing a ceremony held under the aegis of Aurat Foundation, an NGO, here on Saturday, she said: “We all will have to play our due role to ensure complete financial independence for women.”

She stressed the need to launch campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of women’s rights.

She said that goals of progress and prosperity could not be achieved until women were made part of the mainstream to take part in the development of the country.

She said that society would have to end taboos which put hurdles in participation of women in mainstream life.

“The stakeholders will have to create space for women to take part in economic, trade and business activities,” she said.

Ms Durrani said that she would continue her role for legislation on protection of rights of women.

Later, she distributed certificates and prizes among participants of the ceremony. 

Published in Dawn November 20th, 2016