By Myra Imran
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that by working across party lines, women parliamentarians can become a catalyst for change that will ultimately not just benefit the women of Pakistan, but their children, fathers, husbands and brothers also.
Addressing the first national convention on ‘Role of Women Parliamentarians in Peace, Security and Reconciliation’, organised by the Women Parliamentarian Caucus (WPC) here on Tuesday, Gilani termed the convention a watershed in the parliamentary history of Pakistan. “I am heartened by the fact that women parliamentarians have also decided to be part of this struggle, which we will win.”
The prime minister said Pakistan was in the midst of fight against extremism. He said tension in the region was not helping any country, rather diverting the precious resources to non-developmental sectors.
“The government believes in women’s empowerment to ensure equal rights through economic, social, legal and political measures.”He said: “Many countries, including our own, have shown that when women become a central part of the political decision-making process, there is a greater chance for a positive social change and sustainable peace.”
He said the presence of a high percentage of women legislators in the assemblies today was a proof that the dream of Benazir Bhutto was translating into reality.National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza said women enjoyed more than 22 per cent representation in the National Assembly and this numerical strength should translate into opportunity. “Research shows that this 22 per cent has conducted 60 per cent of the business in the House, which shows that women mean business,” she said.
WPC General Secretary Nafisa Shah briefed the participants on the performance of the WPC. Earlier, the convention reached the consensus that for sustainable solution to the existing security situation faced by the country due to the ongoing conflict on the western borders, it was vital to involve women at all levels of reconciliation and rehabilitation process.
Female parliamentarians from all major political parties called for collaborative efforts to bring a positive change to the lives of women. The convention was attended by women parliamentarians representing national and provincial assemblies, members of parliament from Saarc countries, senior government officials and representatives of key ministries.
Source: The News
Date:5/26/2010
