08 February 2004	Sunday	16 Zilhaj 1424

SWABI, Feb 7: All political parties should create their women wings on district level to ensure their participation in decision-making.

This was a common demand of speakers at a mass contact programme of the Abaseen Union of Journalists on "Women Participating in Nation Building" here on Saturday.

Samajee Behbood Rabita Council president Roohal Amin said women councillors had already got vital political training and they could play an important role in awaking their fellow women.

"Without women participation in the nation building, we may not be able to achieve our objectives in various fields.

Executive District Officer Shamasur Rehman said the provincial government should work according to the gender reform action programme which called for engagement of the women in all fields.

The representation of women in political activities, he said, would pave the way for improving their social position.

Another speaker Ali Anwar said women councillors should be given full freedom to express their views in district and tehsil council sessions. "There is also need to give them share in development projects," he demanded.

An activist Aqeela Naz said the womenfolk faced numerous social problems and it was the responsibility of the government to take remedial steps for the resolution of these problems. She urged legislators to come forward to play their due role in this regard.

Another activist Shabana Begum said NGOs had played a constructive role in promoting women.