LAHORE, June 18: Lahore High Court former judge Nasira Javed Iqbal has said sense of insecurity and gender discrimination are hindering economic empowerment of women in Pakistan.

Speaking at a seminar on ‘Economic revival and empowerment of women organised by the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the occasion of its ‘Lifestyle exhibition’ here on Wednesday, she said sexual harassment at workplace and domestic violence were major problems being faced by the women in Pakistan. Men thought that they had the right to maltreat women because they earned a livelihood. Even those who did nothing considered themselves superior to women.

She said a bill moved by former MNA Mahnaz Rafi for legislation to check violence against women in the National Assembly was still pending. The women also required to organise themselves by forming trade unions for economic justice and repeal of gender-based discriminatory laws.

Special laws were also required to ensure micro-credit facilities and wages and employment opportunities equal to men for women.

Women in assemblies should be elected directly only by the votes of women instead of being nominated by men on reserved seats.

MPA Ghazala Saad Rafiq said women comprised 52 per cent of the population but were dominated by men due to lack of economic empowerment. Political awakening was required among women for their empowerment. The women should support those who believed in democracy and rule of law.

Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Shehla Javed Akram said the number of chamber members in Punjab had increased to 1,000. Majority of the women entrepreneurs were home-based. She said products of rural women had also been displayed in exhibitions.