Islamabad: Pakistan’s capital city was on Monday hosting women lawmakers from 12 countries at a conference on the role of women in strengthening democracy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter opened the three-day gathering on Monday.
Maryam Nawaz saluted the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus for taking the initiative to organise the event.
The theme of the summit was, “The role of women Parliamentarians in strengthening democracy and social justice”.
Nawaz said it was high time to work for women’s empowerment, for the betterment and development of societies.
Along with those from Pakistan, women lawmakers from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, Australia, Romania, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Maldives, Indonesia and Nepal are attending the event.
Women make up over half of the population in Pakistan and, although they have some rights, they are still largely marginalised.
Much of this predominantly Muslim society still believes women should not work but stay confined to the home.
Maryam Nawaz said it was a priority to work for the empowerment of women.
“We are working to empower women. Women parliamentarians can bring major change in society,” she said, adding, “Women are facing a myriad of problems in society. To pull them out from the fear and poverty is the need of hour.”
“[The] Women’s Caucus role is very vital in empowerment of women,” Nawaz said. “Women are playing central roles in leading companies across the world.”
She said women were enjoying more opportunities in democratic Pakistan.
Pakistani women are striving to work shoulder to shoulder with men.
Pakistan activist for female education Malala Yousafzai became the youngest person to receive a Nobel Prize.
