Punjab Government to eliminate discriminatory attitude against women

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Women Development Hameeda Waheed ud Din has said that provincial action plan will be evolved for eliminating discriminatory attitude against women at every level and a vigorous public awareness campaign would be initiated at district level regarding the rights of women.

She was addressing a meeting of Provincial Committee on the implementation of international convention for elimination of discrimination against women (CEDAW) at Punjab Assembly today. Secretary Women Development Department Irum Bukhari as well as representatives of School Education, Higher Education, Law, Local Government, Social Welfare and Labour departments besides Aurat Foundation and Shirkatgah were present. Provincial Secretary Irum Bukhari gave a detailed briefing on CEDAW.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister Hameeda Waheed ud Din said that any form of discrimination against women is violation of the charter of human rights as due to gender discrimination they cannot play their due role in economic, political and social development of the country. She stressed the need for effective coordination between concerned institutions and departments for elimination of gender discrimination.

Hameeda Waheed ud Din said that focal persons will be appointed in all departments with the consultation of the members of civil society. She directed that data from all institutions be collected and a phased campaign be launched throughout the province for apprising the women of their due rights and all resources be utilized for this purpose.

The Minister also formed a special committee for evolving methodology for launching public awareness campaign in which representatives of the concerned departments will also be included. She said that media can play an important role in this regard. She said that the scope of the awareness campaign regarding the women rights is being expanded and Women Development Department is playing an important role in this regard.

She said that the awareness campaign will be launched initially in three districts. She also directed to formulate proposals for the allocation of 15 percent quota of jobs for women in private institutions and directed the committee to submit its report within three months.

The meeting also reviewed the measures taken under the convention and stressed the need for changing the mindset to eliminate discriminatory attitude against women.