Provincial Minister for Women Development Hameeda Waheed ud Din has said that daycare centers are being set up at various institutions across the province for the benefit of working women. A sum of Rs. 200 million will be spent on this project during current fiscal year, she added.
She was addressing the inaugural ceremony of daycare centers at Government Degree College for Women, Model Town, Lahore and Mayo Hospital, here today. Principal Aatqa Tanvir, Medical Superintendent Mayo Hospital Dr. Amjad Shehzad, teachers, students, doctors and paramedical staff were also present on the occasion. The Minister said that women constitute 52 percent population of the country and are rendering commendable services in various fields including education, medicine, engineering, army, police, IT and media. She said that government is establishing daycare centers in educational institutions and government offices for the benefit of working women and this project is being implemented in the whole province under a phased programme. She said that 13 daycare centers have so far been inaugurated in Lahore. She said that international standard is being maintained in the setting up of daycare centers and trained staff has been deputed in these centers for proper care of the children ranging between the age of four months to four years.
Hameeda Waheed ud Din while informing about efforts of the government for socio-economic empowerment and provision of legal protection to women told that five bills were adopted by Punjab Assembly on the eve of International Women Day on March 8 this year which will directly benefit the women. She said that government has ensured transfer of share of women in inherited property, correct filling of all columns of Nakih Nama, setting up of family courts besides curbing marriage of girls below 16 years of age.
The Minister said that Pakistani women are hardworking and talented and are playing an active role in the progress and development of the country. She also informed about the helpline 0800-93372 established by Punjab Women Development Department. Principal Aatqa Tanvir and MS Mayo Hospital Dr. Amjad Shahzad threw light on the objectives of daycare centers and appreciated this step of Punjab government. Later, the Minister inaugurated the daycare centers and visited their various sections.a