Woman Empowerment

Women Empowerment

By

Sadaf Fayyaz

(Published in She August Issue)

Gender equality is considered to be the vital concern in the development and welfare of a nation. Therefore, a nation must invest in women’s empowerment for the utmost development and welfare. A nation cannot move ahead without utilizing the experience and knowledge of both the genders. A politically and economically stable society is only assured if these forces are used effectively. Women empowerment is not only restricted to control over financial independence only, but it is a fusion of literacy, employment and health. Women empowerment has a positive relationship with the well being of their families and betterment of their country. Upon asking certain female celebrities belonging to different professions like show business, fashion, life style, management, music and entertainment, they shared their views on Woman Empowerment with us:

 

“Get educated mothers to teach the benefits of education to ignorant mothers. I think it could be a great way of enlightening women and girls.” Shakila Ahmed (Singer & Musician) 

“The issue of human rights and women’s rights is an issue of the greatest importance for Pakistan today. It is so important because -first and foremost - in order to make Pakistan a strong, self-respecting, self-sustaining country, it is essential to build its moral foundations and this cannot be done until justice is done to those who are the weakest and the most vulnerable in society. Abraham Lincoln had said that a nation could not survive half-slave and half-free. Likewise, without establishing gender equality and gender-justice, Pakistan can never become what Allama Iqbal and the Quaid-e-Azam wanted it to be. Economic and military strength, important as they are, cannot stem the rot that has set in through a long period of intellectual myopia and moral bankruptcy. The only way the process of ruin can be reversed is by building, brick by brick, a tradition of respecting the fundamental human rights of all citizens and residents of Pakistan, irrespective of gender, class, and ethnic, sectarian or religious difference.”  Mehrunnisa Hassan (Model, Actress, Classical Dancer and Singer)

“The empowerment of women and the improvement of their political, social, economic and health status is a highly important end in itself. In every society empowering women is a huge resource for social change and the broader fight against global poverty. It is essential for the achievement of sustainable development.” Sobia Nazir (Fashion Designer)

“I believe all women have 'empowerment' within themselves - they just need to recognize their strength and the contribution they are already making on a daily basis to the betterment of our country, as mothers, sisters, teachers, career women etc. The environment and opportunities need to be made more beneficial so that the power within women can surge to the surface. There are many draconian laws relating to women that need to be repealed in Pakistan - this is one of the major ways in which 'empowered' women of Pakistan can make a change for betterment of our country. Women also need to ensure that the correct and equal recognition is given to them as respected, honored and dignified citizens of Pakistan, This recognition needs to be given, starting from the government corridors all the way to individual households.”  Fariha Rashed (CEO Ink Magazine & National Communication Manager Red Bull)

 “In my view, for development and betterment, Pakistan needs a value system that fights corruption not only at the organizational level but also at the level of the institution called the 'family'. If women contributed to the income in the family and (as wives and mothers) instilled the right values, there's hope for things to move in the right direction. The question is whether they are empowered enough through education, career opportunities and an equality-status in the family to do this? Perhaps not! But it’s never too late to start.”Kehkashan Awan (Former Actress and now Industry Consultant at SIRAAT)

“Women Empowerment, for me means, when a woman walks side by side a man in all walks of life. As women if we are not equal then there is no way the world can progress. Woman empowerment means that a woman should not be discriminated in what work she chooses to do, what she wears and should not be tied down to traditions of a culture. She is free and thus can contribute equally as any male member of the society. Without women's empowerment, no country will progress as society needs women to educate, improve on her children, as well as sow the seed for tomorrow, which again means women should be educated and encouraged for further education. A child's education starts at home, and if you have an educated mother, the child is enriched. A man who can lose his job tomorrow can also rely on his wife for support, hence going through fewer traumas in life. Both as equal partners can contribute to a better world.”Sonia Ahmed (President - Miss Pakistan World and Mrs. Pakistan World)

“Women are as powerful and important in the development of our country and the uplifting of society as men. In fact one educated and empowered woman not only changes her own life but also that of her entire family and her future generation.” Nadya Mistry (Fashion Designer)

Until a woman doesn’t feel self-satisfied, she cannot contribute anything towards her family
so the ratio is one unhappy female = 5 unhappy family members.” Mona Jamal (Makeup Artist)