No country can make progress in the absence of women's participation and the current government is determined to bring maximum women into mainstream of national economy. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb said this while addressing a ceremony organised here by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in connection with International Women's Day on Wednesday.
She said that Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and many other women played their crucial role in Independence Movement and development of the country. The state minister said that the incumbent government has envisaged many initiatives to enhance the role of women in economic development of the country. She said the government's principal planning document 'Vision 2025' recognises expansion of women's participation and their access to opportunities as central to sustained economic and social development. She said that the implementation of Vision 2025 would create many new opportunities for women. She referred to a Harvard University study that suggested that companies headed by a woman performed better than those headed by the men.
Meanwhile, on another occasion Marriyum Aurangzeb said that a proposal is under consideration for sustained annual funding of press clubs. Speaking at a function here at National Press Club, she said this would end funding issues of the press clubs.
She said that the ministry has already circulated draft of the bill on security and welfare of journalists. She said that necessary legislation would be done after taking input from all stakeholders and urged the journalist community to expedite its response. Marriyum said that the government believes in freedom of speech, but freedom should be exercised with responsibility. She emphasised the need for responsible reporting and adherence of code of conduct.
About women empowerment, she said the importance given by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah conveyed a clear message that women will have equal rights and opportunities in Pakistan. The minister said the present government has also appointed women to head different ministries, departments and programmes.