Provincial Minister for Women Development Department Hameeda Waheed ud Din said that government has taken a number of solid steps for women empowerment with a view to bring them into the national mainstream. She was speaking at the inauguration of daycare center at Home Economics College Gulberg, here today. Principal of the College, teachers and a large number of students were present on this occasion. Hameeda Waheed ud Din said that with a view to facilitating working women, daycare centers are being set up across the province under a phased programme. She said that Punjab Daycare Fund Society has been established for the management of these daycare centers and meetings of its Board are being held regularly. She said that the society monitors performance of daycare centers, training of the staff and available facilities. She said that as many as 74 daycare centers have so far been established while more such centers will be set up during current fiscal year. She said that Pakistan cannot make commendable progress without due participation of women in the development process. “Pakistani women are very talented and have proved their abilities in different sectors”, added the Minister. She said that jobs quota in government sector for women has been increased from 5 to 15 percent. She said that working women hostels are also being set up in various districts for the benefit of working women. She said that the government has ensured socio-economic development of women by taking further steps for protection of their rights under women packages. Earlier, Hameeda Waheed ud Din accompanied by the Principal and staff members inaugurated the daycare center. She also visited playroom, nursery and kitchen of the daycare center and appreciated the standard of available facilities.
