LAHORE: The Working Women Organization (WWO) staged a demonstration outside the Lahore Press Club on Friday to press for repeal of discriminatory laws against women.

The demonstrators raised slogans calling for repeal of laws against women and giving them rights at par with men.

Speaking on the occasion, WWO President Rubina Jamil and All-Pakistan Trade Union Federation President Gulzar Chaudhry said the government had so far not repealed discriminatory black laws promulgated by Gen Zia.

They said women were denied rights equal to male members not only in society but also at home. They were not given equal share in property and paid lesser wages as compared to men for similar work. They were also forced to marry according to the choice of male members of the family.

They said not only the laws treating women inferior to men required to be repealed, but a campaign also required to be launched for changing the social outlook about them.

PWF: Approval of the Bill against Harassment of Women at Workplaces was hailed at a meeting of the women’s wing of the Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF) held at the Labour Hall with Huma Aziz in the chair.

Women’s wing secretary Tasnim Anwar said the government should ensure enforcement of the law to ensure protection of women at workplaces so that they could work without fear. The government should also appoint women judges in family courts and increase employment opportunities for women.
Source: Dawn
Date:2/13/2010