KARACHI, June 9: Speakers at a function on Thursday observed that a nation could not progress in true sense if half of the country’s population was not allowed to contribute to the development of its economy. The observation was made at a ceremony for the launching of a film, Bazm-i-Jahan Raunaq depicting the Girl Child Project being implemented by the Family Planning Association of Pakistan with the financial assistance from Unicef and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC). The film has been produced by Himmat Society.

The speakers said that results of various examinations in which girl candidates secured top positions showed that a female would prove herself equally competent and efficient to a male wherever she was provided a level-playing field, and she had proved this time and again.

They regretted that in violation of religious teachings and constitutional provisions, the male-dominated society was not giving the womenfolk their due rights. “The woman is being exploited in the name of socio-cultural traditions,” they deplored.

Women are discriminated against throughout the life and they often suffer more during their adolescence. A young woman is usually confined to the four walls of her house and denied proper education and training essential to help her gain knowledge and develop skills. Facing discrimination since birth, more girls die in the country as compared to boys before reaching the age of five years.

The audience were told that the Girl Child Project had been launched to raise awareness of the situation being faced by girl children and young women and its implication on the wellbeing and development of families and communities. The project is aimed at empowering young girls, particularly those in the age group of 12-18 years, to participate in all family and community activities in the areas of health, education and economic self-reliance and to serve as role model and agent of a social change within their families and communities.

The pilot project was launched in October 1991 at 10 locations. Over the years, it was extended to 730 locations across the country covering 2,200 communities and over 35,000 girls. About 200,000 community members have benefited from the project.

The girls are imparted skill development trainings in the fields of fabric painting, teaching, first-aid, etc. so that they could not only became self-sufficient, but could also be able to earn for their families.

Besides gaining knowledge and developing skills, the girls gain self-confidence and importance within their families.

Sindh Population Planning Secretary Mohsin Qureshi, Dr Farid Shaikh of FPAP, Ra’ana Syed of Unicef, Moneeza Hashmi of Himmat Society, film’s director Adeel Hashmi and others also spoke at the function, conducted by Saeeda Rasheed.