ISLAMABAD: On the eve of Working Women’s Day, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution urging the government to undertake initiatives to provide a safe, secure, healthy, and harassment free environment for working women.

It said that women and men are equal partners and should have the same rights, responsibilities and working opportunities.

The draft of the resolution was tabled by Senator Sitara Ayaz from the Awami National Party (ANP). It stated that the house appreciates the endeavours of working women, who are contributing to the betterment of Pakistan’s socio-economic life, and shows solidarity with them. The resolution also commended the performance of women in parliament and as parliamentary secretaries.

It said that women should be encouraged to participate in economic activities for the betterment of their household as well as the national economy.

The house criticised unequal pay for women in certain sectors, and condemned horizontal and vertical segregation.

The resolution called on the government to implement proactive policies to encourage women to embrace careers.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2015