Women's role termed vital in reformation of society

With a view to creating awareness among women about healthy lifestyle and necessity of adopting precautionary measures to avoid various diseases, particularly psychiatric problems, World Psychiatry Association (WPA) in collaboration with Department of Psychiatry Fatima Jinnah Medical College and Depression & Manic Depressive Association Pakistan Chapter is holding a series of special lectures for working women.
Depression & Manic Depressive Association Pakistan Chapter Convenor, Professor Dr Haroon Rashid Chaudhry told Business Recorder here on Saturday that this programme is aimed at spreading message of tolerance among female population so that with positive approach and healthy life they could play their positive role in the reformation of society.
He added: "this programme is an attempt to give hope to those women who are dejected due to socio-economic problems and stresses.
"Stresses, miseries and worries may cause severe problems to human beings, but with positive approach most of health problems connected with various social events could be avoided," he added.
He maintained that life is worth living and beautiful, if principles of honesty, fairness, and truth are adopted.
He said that first lecture of the series will be held tomorrow (Monday) at a local hotel with the theme of 'Happiness is around You'.
Highlighting various problems being faced by women, Professor Haroon said that women generally face emotional and behavioural problems, anxiety, depression, poor performance, low self-esteem, nightmares and disobedience.
"Women who experience physical violence or sexual assault use health care facilities more than other women. Over a lifetime they seek more services of physicians and psychiatrists and visit hospitals and emergency centres regularly."
"Forced marriages and violence against women through acid throwing, stove burning, homicide and nose-cutting are being committed, which must be checked through force," he added.
Dr Haroon Rashid called for awarding severe punishment to those involved in committing violence against women.
He also urged the government to pay special attention to improve health delivery system for women.