International Women's Day Conference organised by Employer Federation of Pakistan (EFP) on Thursday suggested creating entrepreneurial opportunities for women to achieve sustainable economic growth. Speakers at the concluding session of the conference titled as "Importance of Entrepreneurship skills for women in the Context of Pakistan" said that the goal to empower women in the country could only be achieved through creating job opportunities for them.
During the panel discussion, panellists discussed various aspects of women empowerment in Pakistan. Saeed Tanvery of ECI entrepreneurship program said: "Though women have skills to earn but their managerial aspect is very weak, they are not being considered for heading institutions."
"Women's participations in income generating activities will actually help in giving boost to country's economy," he remarked. Advocate Khalid Mahmood noted that according to the constitution of Pakistan man and woman enjoy equal rights. "We do not have discriminatory laws for women but it is unfortunate that laws are not implemented in letter and spirit," he said. He said that implementation of laws would empower women.
Media person, Anjum Ryzvi, said that media was playing its due role for empowerment of women. Dr Hina Hussain Kazmi, Senior Curriculum Specialist USAID Teacher Education said that text books needed to be reviewed to eliminate gender inequality. Dress Designer Jia Amir urged men to support women in their work. "Women can do any thing with the support of men," she opined.