A huge ceremony in connection with International Women Day held at Auditorium of Girls Guide Association, Lahore organized by Search for Justice on Thursday. Provincial minister HR&MA Ijaz Alam Augustine graced the occasion as chief guest while different parliamentarians, Australian High Commissioner in Pakistan Mateen Ameen, second Secretary Australian High Commission Ms Lauren Waugh, DG Punjab Women Protection Authority Irshaad Waheed, Chairperson Punjab Women Protection Authority Kaneez Fatima and other dignitaries attended the ceremony. Executive director Search for Justice Iftikhar Mubarak delivered the welcome speech and said that it was necessary to create such groups to address the issue of violence against girls. He said that empowering girls had tangible societal benefits, empowered girls eventually became empowered women. Provincial Minister for HR&MA Ijaz Alam Augustine said during his address that international day of Women designated for promoting the rights of girls and addressing the unique challenges they face. He emphasized on the need for girls education and later providing adequate opportunities for productive work for well being and economic growth. He also reiterated the Prime Ministers and Chief Minister's vision of ensuring equal learning and work opportunities for girls and women in Punjab and Pakistan. The minister said that Punjab Government providing a platform to girls everywhere to be seen as equals and violence against women could be reduced by providing them with education, vocational training and social support. MPA Uzma Kardar said that to empower women economically the government has allocated 50 per cent share for them in the Prime Minister Youth Loan Scheme which reflects its commitment and dedication to the cause of women empowerment and gender equality. In view of the growing number of women joining different professions and public departments the Ministry of Human Rights has been running extensive awareness campaigns besides arranging training and capacity building programmes for lawyers, police and prosecutors to sensitize them regarding their attitude and behaviour towards their women colleague. MPA Sadia Sohail said that Punjab Women Empowerment Packages 2012, 2014 and 2016 comprise multiple reforms in legal, administrative and institutional spheres while providing new initiatives to safeguard women rights. Punjab also increased employment quota for women to 15 per cent, granted 3 years age relaxation, provided an additional chance of transfer to women to the place of residence of spouse in case of marriage and other infrastructure to encourage women to join the public and private sector. Chairperson Punjab Women Protection Authority Kaneez Fatima said no doubt that empowered girls grow into empowered women who can care better for themselves and their families, increase their earning potential, serve as active and equal citizens and change agents, and spur economic growth for communities and nations. Second Secretary Australian High Commission Ms Lauren Waugh appreciated the efforts of Government of Punjab and also praised Search for justice to providing a platform for all to come together and share strategies for improving Girls' Education and Future Economic Opportunities. A panel of discussion also held in the ceremony to highlight and address the needs and challenges faced by girls, while promoting girl’s empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. Ms. Ayesha Jawad from Kinnaird College, renowned women rights activist M.s. Humaira Sheikh, legal expert Shamim Malik and more than 200 young and adolescent girls were also present in the ceremony.
