ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul on Friday stressed the need for a joint struggle of men and women to end injustices faced by girls and women in the society.

“We should all rather raise our voice against forced marriages, Karo Kari, lack of property rights, lack of job opportunities, and lack of access to health and education facilities, etc.,” Ms Gul said.

She was speaking at a seminar titled ‘Each for Equal; International Women’s Day 2020’ organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

While giving her point of view on the controversies revolving around Aurat March being organised on World Women Day, the minister said everyone had right to hold marches regardless of gender and one should avoid to indulge in controversial debates.

Ms Gul said one should appreciate celebrating one specific day every year for women.

“But every day is women day as we cannot ignore their role and contribution towards society,” she said adding, “We should learn to respect our daughters, mothers, sisters and spouses and appreciate them for their positive role they play for the society.”

SDPI, Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri expressed solidarity on behalf of civil society for international women day celebrations and Aurat March and said for us this year’s theme “each is equal” is yet another manifestation of SDGs message of “leaving no one behind”.

Canadian High Commissioner Wendy Gilmour said in Pakistan, despite so many obstacles, women were working almost in every sector and especially in armed forces, which was really impressive.

She said that women should have access to opportunities to fulfill their ambitions alongside men and all genders in the society, and the government should ensure enabling and safe environment for women to raise voices for their rights.

“At the same time, a large number of women in Pakistan have little access to work opportunities and even basic necessities such as health and education,” Ms Gilmour said.

“Young boys and girls should be educated on life skills based education in order to ensure that they could take informed decisions for their lives in future, and the government should have gender responsive policies and laws to help lift all segments of the society,” the Canadian envoy said.

PML-N MNA Romina Khurshid Alam said there was a need to put pressure on the people and teach sons instead of daughters to show respect for women.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2020