Speakers of a seminar stressed the participation of women in nation-building as an important ingredient and emphasized the need for equal opportunities for women to obtain an equitable, peaceful and prosperous society.

They were addressing a seminar organized by the Directorate of Women Development Studies Center (WDSC) and Directorate of Students Affairs of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), on October 2, 2024.

Dr. Syeda Amna Batool MNA, Focal Person PM Youth Program, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, Dr. Aeras Jabeen Manager, Ministry of Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety, Dr. Muhammad Rizwan National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Dr. Muhaimin Assistant Professor, University of Haripur, Ms. Waiza Rafique Legal Advisor, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Dr. Yusra Gillani (A Disabled Women), faculty members and students participated in the event.

Speakers also discussed challenges, barriers and possible solutions for women empowerment and urged the students to play their role for creating awareness among women regarding their rights. They further stated that Pakistani women are facing multiple challenges at home and underscored the need for raising voice against anti-woman customs, traditions and practices.

MNA Dr. Syeda Amna Batool said that education is a key to success and affirmed the government commitment to combating gender-based violence and implementing recommendations put forth by the academic community. She appreciated the women who are playing a very constructive role as professionals in various sectors, apart from fulfilling their traditional responsibilities at home.

Earlier, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem welcomed the participants and said that PMAS-AAUR Directorate of WDSC is playing its role to eliminate gender-based violence and creating awareness on gender related issues. He said that the seminar was organized to provide a platform to learn from each other’s experiences to resolve gender-based issues.