Provincial Minister for Women Development Hameeda Waheed ud Din and Population Welfare Minister Zakia Shahnawaz have said that working women have key role in the economy of the country and government will take all possible steps for resolving their problems.
They expressed these views while addressing provincial consultative conference on the topic of policy / recommendations for women workers with the cooperation of Home Net Pakistan, Aurat Foundation, USAID and Gender Equity Programme (GEP), here today. The Ministers said that government has introduced steps for economic empowerment of women in women packages 2012 and 2014. They said that Women Package 2012 has been fully implemented while implementation on women package 2014 is continuing. Government is making efforts for fixing 15 percent quota in jobs in private sector on the pattern of public sector, they added. The Provincial Ministers said that besides departmental measures, cooperation with partner institutions is continuing for making women skilled. They said that awareness campaign of the rights of women is continuing in the province and Ombudswoman Dr. Mira Phailbus, Commission Chairperson Fauzia Waqar and Women Development Department are playing their active role in this regard. They said that priority will be given to resolving problems of women workers and steps will be taken for their education and payment of better stipend along with elimination of role of middle man. The Ministers said that role of women workers in Pakistan cannot be ignored and they enjoy great respect and we will have to jointly work for their rights. They said that hostels are being established for women workers in all cities of the province while daycare centers are being established for their children. They said that government is setting up sanatzars for the training of women throughout the province. They said that bill regarding home-based workers has been sent to Law Department for final consultation. They emphasized upon women assembly members to continue monitoring of development projects and implementation on women package in their respective areas.
