Inaugural session of momentous 3-day International conference on the Role of Women Parliamentarians in Strengthening Democracy and Social Justice was inaugurated by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan earlier on Monday. Amidst a galaxy of 29 women Parliamentarians from 12 countries and a large gathering of MNAs, Senators, academia, diplomatic corps and civil society, Mariyam Nawaz Sharif and Marriyum Aurengzeb were also present.
Organised by the Women's Parliamentary Caucus (WPC), the participating countries include Australia, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Romania, Sri Lanka and Turkey. The conference aims at initiating a dialogue amongst women parliamentarians on developing mechanisms, legislations and policies to prioritize women empowerment among governments of respective countries.
The keynote speakers in the inaugural session held on Monday morning highlighted on the basic question as to how Women Parliamentarians' networks can build alliances to effectively support their oversight, legislative & representative roles at the Parliament to achieve social justice for all in democratic societies. The panelists identified the need for a new social contract based on solidarity between all segments of society is imperative for achieving sustainable.
Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz Sharif graced the inaugural session as Guest of Honour on behalf of her mother Kulsoom Nawaz Sharif while the Chief Guest of the occasion was Honourable Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The Patron of the Women's Parliamentary Caucus, Dr Fehmida Mirza, former Speaker National Assembly and Secretary Women's Parliamentary Caucus Shaista Pervaiz Malik also spoke on the occasion. The event was widely attended by parliamentarians, diplomats, representatives from media, civil society organisations, universities & activists.
The event opened with National Anthem & recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Secretary Women's Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) Pakistan Shaista Pervaiz Malik while addressing the occasion said that "today, we the women parliamentarians, from across political divide, have come a long way".
Commenting on the diversity of the conference she said that the colorful flags placed at the dais not only brightens the human diversity but depicts a common hope. The WPC Patron, Dr Fehmida Mirza, emphasised that "As the first woman Speaker of National Assembly, I have seen what determined women are capable of". Commenting on the event she said that this conference serves as a tribute to all women who stayed determined & achieved heights in face of insurmountable difficulties.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif warmly welcomed all the delegates to Pakistan who came to participate in the event. Sharing her insights on the role of women parliamentarians, she said that "the struggle of women in all parts of world, especially ours, has never been an easy one".-PR