ISLAMABAD, March 8: This new century must, once and for all, be an era that values the girl child, that respects the woman and protects its daughters, mothers and sisters in peace and in war.

This was stated by former premier and chairperson of the Pakistan People's Party, Benazir Bhutto. According to a statement issued here by the PPP media cell, Ms Bhutto said the woman from Germany who suggested to celebrate the day was mocked in 1910 but that woman who spoke up with one voice triumphed because she was speaking for a truth and a right.

"One woman began a campaign to collect signatures. Soon there were one million signatures for observing women's day. Now nearly every country in the world celebrates women's day and celebrates the power of what one woman can do".

Speaking about violence against women she said: "Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon him) condemned the practice of killing the girl child practised in pagan times. The killing of the girl child symbolized violence against woman when she was but a helpless infant. Yet violence against women continues in different ways."

"I am often asked how I became prime minister of a Muslim country. My reply is that I derived inspiration from the historical fact that the holy prophet of Islam, peace be upon him, married a working woman. Yet through the mists of time, some of us, under colonialism, or tribalism or feudalism, lost touch with the roots of our religion".

Stressing the need of education of women she said once again with educational and health facilities for women, Muslim countries were beginning to awaken the creative force of their woman power. Remember Islam came as a message of emancipation putting an end to the humiliation of women, she added.

"While I was at Oxford, the British conservative party nominated Margaret Thatcher as their prime ministerial candidate, I thought if in England, then surely in Pakistan.

"At Oxford, I was the first female foreigner to win the presidency of the prestigious Oxford Debating Society. I had been told that as a foreigner I could not win and should not run. But I did run and I did win and in so doing I overcame my fear of losing," Ms Bhutto said.