National Commission on Status of Women Chairperson Justice Mrs Majida Rivzi (Rtd) on Saturday said that dignity and status of women and men, as equal citizens of Pakistan, is a moral imperative, constitutional obligation and a guiding principle of an egalitarian and progressive society.
She was speaking at a seminar on "Status of Women as Viewed From Existing Laws in Pakistan," held under the aegis of Pakistan Law College affiliated with the Punjab University here.
In her key note address, she said this vision for the dignity and status of women required concerted action by the state and society, adding, change of mindsets and corrective measures are needed to achieve the desired goals for the advancement of women.
She said the commission, established in 2000, through an ordinance, is working towards enhancing its outreach by networking with provincial offices and private sector to redress genuine grievances of women as envisaged in the ordinance.
Justice Majida Rizvi said: "The commission is also interacting with all government departments and other concerned national, international and private sector organisations for the protection of women's rights and their empowerment as declared policy of the federal government."
She said: "The commission is actively working on the emancipation of women, equalisation of opportunities and socio-economic conditions amongst women and men and elimination of all forms of discrimination against women in Pakistan."
"The commission is endeavouring its best, in partnership with civil society and government, to overcome obstacles to gender equality," she said, adding, "the commission is also promoting initiatives for empowerment of women and ensure their fundamental human rights in order to facilitate an environment in which women realise their full potential and participate equally with men to create and sustain a social order envisaged by the enlightened values enshrined in Islam."
HUDOOD ORDINANCE: Justice Majida Rizvi said the commission successfully conducted extensive review of the Hudood Ordinance 1979 through formation of a special committee and a report in this regard has been submitted. She said the commission also initiated an inquiry on 'women employment' in the public sector organisations and a report in this regard has been compiled and disseminated.
She said the commission would continue to suggest amendment, repeal or new legislation with an aim to eliminate discrimination, safeguard and promote the interests of women and achieve gender equality in accordance with the Constitution and obligations under international covenants and commitments.
Earlier, college principal Humayoun Ihsan, college administrator and former registrar LHC Fakhar Hayat also highlighted the vital importance of role of women in Islamic society for rapid national development in every sphere of life.