By involving women in economic activities and their economic empowerment would help strengthen country's economy and improve living standards, said Dr Arifa Syeda Zahra, Chairperson, National Commission for Women Status (NCWS) here on Thursday.
Tourism is a fast growing industry round the globe and women involvement in this industry is imperative to attain the desired goals, Dr Arifa said while addressing the celebrations of the World Tourism Day at Fatima Jinnah Women University.
Vice Chancellor of the FJWU Dr Saeeda Asadullah, Secretary Tourism Dr Shahzad Qaiser and female mountaineer and rock climber Amna Khan also addressed the seminar.
"Women, in our society are like the mountaineers who have climbed many mountains in their whole lives, but in remote and far flung areas women are being treated worse than cattle," Dr Arifa said. She urged women to come forward and work with men shoulder to shoulder, not only in tourism but every walk of life. "Women folk are not captive audience but they are live wires of life," she added.
She was of the view that women have to muster up their courage and get rid of inside fear to excel in the life. The participation of women in national affair not only strengthens the economy of the country but bring a positive change in their own life.
Addressing the seminar Dr Shahzad Qaiser said that developed world is causing problems for the tourism sector in the developing countries by introducing negative image. The nation should eliminate this perception by bringing the fact to the world that Pakistan is a safe haven for the tourists and lovers of nature.
Vice Chancellor of the varsity Dr Saeeda Asadullah Khan said on the occasion that FJWU would kick off postgraduate faculty of tourism very soon. She appreciated PTDC for their support for offering internship to the students of the university.
The lady mountaineer Amna Khan shared her experiences of mountaineering and rock climbing.