National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) along with UN-Women and other development partners held a ceremony to celebrate 50th anniversary of the Constitution of Pakistan today at Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad that was followed by Women Trade Fair. Federal Minister for Human Rights Mr. Khalil George and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Mr. Jamal Shah were present in the ceremony as chief guests whereas, Ms. Sharmeela Rassool country rep UN-Women, reps from Japanese and Norwegian embassies, reps from women chambers of commerce all over the country, dignitaries, various famous political and social personalities, a large number of women entrepreneurs and female students from different colleges and universities attended the event. Main objective of the event was to celebrate article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan under which equal rights have been guaranteed to all the citizens of Pakistan. It ensures equality before the law and equal protection of the law and states that there shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex alone. Women Trade Fair that was arranged in connection with this year’s theme of the campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence that was “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls’’. Under this theme women economic empowerment had been focused with an aim to stress upon it as an effective tool to combat violence against women. To highlight this cause, women entrepreneurs running small and medium enterprises (SMEs) all across Pakistan, were coordinated through local women chambers of commerce and they were provided this unique opportunity to not only showcase their work, talent and expertise but also given them a platform to enhance their connectivity. At this occasion, Ms. Nilofar Bakhtiar Chairperson NCSW in her opening remarks expressed that women in Pakistan demand their equal rights that have been guaranteed to them under the laws of land. She said that Pakistani women have proved their mettle in every tough situation. It is need of the hour to set our priority for economic empowerment of women by giving them equal opportunities and by awarding them their financial rights. Ms. Sharmeela Rassool country rep UN-Women in her speech mentioned girl students as real power of Pakistan. She recalled her memories about inspiring Pakistani women she came across during her tenure. She particularly mentioned about the characteristics of Pakistani women who are talented, hardworking, resilient and most importantly they are holding one another that proves to a big support to lead them forward. While addressing the ceremony, Mr. Jamal Shah Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture stressed upon giving equal opportunities to every Pakistani woman; at least half of the opportunities if they comprise the half population i.e., 1016 million of the country. He said that they should be given a chance to bring best in this society and it can never be achieved until attaining gender equality and eradication of all forms of discrimination against women. While speaking to the audience, Mr. Khalil George Federal Minister for Human Rights said that we had to build a society that unfolds only respect and love to women. He stated that women had a miraculous light that can shiner the whole society. He further said that this land should have equal opportunities and rights to every man and woman living on it and human rights violations can never be justified and accepted. He called the young female students as future of the country. And advised them to gear up today to steer this country tomorrow. Event was ended with the closing remarks and vote of thanks by Secretary NCSW Khawaja Imran Raza.
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