KARACHI, Oct 30: Women’s rights activists have rejected the notion that the concept of women’s rights is an alien or Western concept, and have called for concerted efforts to project the issue in the mainstream media.

Speaking at the press kit launching ceremony for the promotion of “Women’s rights” here on Tuesday, people from various professions sought across-the-board sensitization on the subject in the country.

The ceremony was organized by the Inter Press Communication.

It was felt that the sections of society having a vested interest in maintaining the status quo were working to divide society on gender basis and exploit the situation either under the pretext of religion or customs and laws.

Under the given situation, since a major responsibility lay on the media to contribute towards strengthening society on the lines of equality and justice, a realistic approach was recommended to equally involve both men and women journalists in the campaign.

Seeking media activism for the purpose, speakers also suggested documentation of relevant facts to be complemented by a regular series of media workshops. Proper projection of relevant laws was also recommended.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Federal Minister of Women’s Development, Dr Attiya Enayatullah, referred to the National Action Plan with special reference to the rights of children and women.

Hailing the press freedom extended by the present government, she emphasized proper use of the freedom of expression as, according to her, the media had to act as an agent of change.

The minister also suggested to the Inter Press Communication to launch a pledge-signing campaign through which both the print and electronic media should commit themselves not to publish or project issues provoking discrimination against women.

She reminded that individual response also mattered a lot in efforts to seek behavioural changes in any society and media persons, while contributing at the collective level, must not overlook their responsibilities in their individual capacity.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Inter Press Communication, Sheen Farrukh said the press kit for the promotion of women’s rights encapsulated 12 areas of the Beijing Action Plan.

Speakers were, among others, Zubeida Mustafa, Farida Shaheed, Dr Shershah Syed and Salima Hashmi.—APP