Role of women in progress of the country cannot be ignored:Begum Zakia Shahnawaz

Lahore: Minister for Population Welfare Begum Zakia Shahnawaz has said that the role of women in progress of the country cannot be ignored.

She said this while addressing a function held in honor of successful women entrepreneur on the occasion of International Women Entrepreneurship Day under the aegis of Kashf Foundation at a local hotel here today.

Zakia Shahnawaz said that the government is fully aware of the importance and role of women in economic development. She said that legislation is being made in consultation with stakeholders, NGOs and concerned institutions for the active role of women in national development and protection of their rights. She said that Punjab government has set up a business center in every district where home based woman workers can earn profit by selling their products.

Begum Zakia Shahnawaz said that 40 percent quota has been allocated for women in Rozgar Bank and Youth Business Loan. She appreciated the financial assistance to eight lakh women and provision of 2.5 million rupees by Kashf Foundation. Referring to the credit, saving, insurance, skills and other facilities for low income women entrepreneur, she assured all possible cooperation for their encouragement. She said that women entrepreneur are playing important role in bringing positive change in living standard of their families.

Former Minister Barrister Shahida Jamil, Ali Sarfraz, Sadia Khan, Salma Kanwal and Director Kashf Foundation Ms. Roshaneh Zaffar also addressed the function and stressed upon highlighting the importance of international day of women entrepreneur, economic independence of women and their abilities. Later Provincial Minister distributed awards among successful women entrepreneurs.