KARACHI: First Lady Samina Alvi on Saturday called for taking steps to ensure greater participation of women in the workforce for their socioeconomic empowerment.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Prof Shahida Kazi Women Complex at the Karachi Press Club (KPC), she stressed the need to provide a conducive environment to women, especially female journalists, at workplaces to increase women’s inclusion in mainstream economic activities.

Samina Alvi inaugurated the Shahida Kazi Women Complex, which offers a day-care facility for women, a gym, work stations, restrooms, digital platforms and entertainment spaces.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by KPC President Saeed Sarbazi, Director General (PR) of Press Information Department Karachi, Ms Iram Tanvir, Secretary Press Club Shoaib Ahmed, Chairman of Gohar Group of Companies Mohammed Hanif Gohar, Gen Secretary of Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation and Sindh Bodybuilding Association Syed Sayeed Jamil and members of the Club.

Ms Alvi urged the media, especially female journalists, to play their role in highlighting women’s issues and create awareness about their rights. She said that female journalists could prove to be an asset for their organisation by bringing in a unique journalistic perspective which could also effectively highlight various issues being faced by women.

The first lady lauded the establishment of the first-ever women’s complex at KPC, saying that it would facilitate working women in the performance of their professional responsibilities, besides taking care of their families.

She also emphasised the need for the creating a harassment-free work environment to encourage women’s participation in the economic activities. She also appreciated the fact the complex carried the name of Prof Shahida Kazi, who had a remarkable influence on many journalists in Karachi. On the occasion, Ms Alvi was also granted lifetime membership by the President of KPC.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2023