Emphasising upon the importance of gender equality in strengthening democratic system and improving governance, American Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale Monday said that the US government is spending Rs 7.6 billion on women rights in Pakistan.
Speaking at a 'Panel Discussion on Gender-based Violence,' hosted by the US Embassy in collaboration with Islamabad Club, Ambassador Hale shared his opinion on importance of gender equality in economic development as well as contributing to health and education with students and experts on ending violence against women as part of its commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
He said that the US government is working with government of Pakistan and civil society to promote women rights in the country. For the purpose, he said that the US government is spending Rs 7.6 billion through USAID. "The 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women campaign offers an opportunity for action from everyone, including men and women, boys and girls, government officials and community leaders, to end violence against women and girls around the world," he underscored.
He stated that gender equality is critical for women empowerment in building resilient democratic societies, supporting open and accountable governance, ending extreme poverty, and to furthering international peace and security. He further said that gender equality is also important for market economy and improving health and education.
Chairman Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) Nadeem Khan, who also spoke on the occasion, highlighted the role of women in nation building and economic development, adding all the segments of the society will have to join hands to end violence against women. Earlier in the day, during a separate session with students, mostly from Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpinidi, the experts called for effective measures to ensure an end to the gender-based violence in the society and protection of women rights.
The event took place at Islamabad Club, which hosts one of the US Embassy's 18 Lincoln Corners. A Lincoln Corner is a resource centre and event space hosted in partnership with Pakistani institutions, in public libraries, universities, and cultural centres, that provides a platform for open dialogue between Pakistanis and Americans, promotes mutual understanding, and strengthens people-to-people ties through various programmes. The Lincoln Corners' programmes and resources attract students, academics, journalists, researchers and Pakistani youth.