LAHORE, June 6: Around 50 women leaders from different walks of life, including political leaders, government officials, human rights activists, civil society, educationists, entrepreneurs and media highlighted the positive contributions for the empowerment of women and girls in the society in an interactive dialogue and networking event with women leaders held in Lahore.
The dialogue was organized by Chanan Development Association (CDA)’ a national youth-led organization, in collaboration with Women Deliver to mark one year out of the 5thglobal Women Deliver Conference that is going to be held in Vancouver – Canada. The event was hosted by Women Deliver youth program Alumni and Executive Director of CDA, Mr. Muhammad Shahzad Khan.
While addressing the dialogue, the women leaders, including Ms. MusarratMisbah, Ms. Mumtaz Mughal, Ms. Sabiha Shaheen, Ms. Rana Malik, Ms. Kulsoom Akhter, Ms. Aisha, Ms. Laraib Abid and Mr. Fsahat Ul Hassan expressed their gratitude for taking this initiative to have dialogue amongst women from diverse backgrounds about the challenges that women and girls face in Pakistan and how it is being addressed. The speakers shared their personal struggles and contributions for girl’s empowerment and vow for meaningful participation of women and girls in national development, particularly in upcoming general elections 2018.
Representatives from Punjab Commission on Status of Women highlighted initiatives of PCSW while panelists also agree that it is imperative to engage men and boys as partners to end all forms of violence against women and girls and to address gender disparities. Speakers also urged that political commitment and investment is requiredfor girls education and implementation on the laws that protect the rights and empower the women and girls.