KARACHI, Oct 16: Minister for women development Dr Saeeda Malik has stated that the problems faced by women in Pakistan have not been superimposed, but they are deep-rooted in society which can only be eradicated with collective efforts of the government and the masses.

Speaking at a seminar, titled “It’s time to focus on rural women”, organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation, on Thursday, Dr Saeeda Malik said Islam gives equal rights to men and women in their respective responsibilities.

Collective efforts are needed to eradicate social problems which are main cause of problems faced by women in urban and rural areas, she said, adding girls studying in rural areas are being provided free books, uniform and Rs100 stipend per month, but many locals do not send their children to schools.

She lauded the steps taken by the government for fixing a sizable quota for women in district councils and assemblies, terming it a first step towards women’s empowerment in the country.

The minister said that large budget allocations have been made for uplift of social sector, female literacy and education of girl child.

Efforts are being made in the current budget for uplift of rural women and three projects would be launched soon, including one for promotion of cottage industry, establishment of working women’s hostel and providing basic agriculture training to women.

Shamim Kazmi highlighted that condition of women is nearly the same all over the world.

About 66 per cent of world’s women are illiterate and out of 130 school-leaving children 70 per cent are girls, while 99 per cent of land is owned by men, 70 per cent of work is done by women-folks, she said.

Based on official statistics, Shamim Kazmi said while more boys with physical or mental deficiencies are born than the girls, by the age of adolescence, more girls become disabled due to lack of care by the family.

She referred to Sindh government’s findings, saying 68.8, out of 100 women in the province, are involved in agriculture, forestry, fishery.

Manzoor Solangi criticised the government for not having any policy for economic empowerment for women.

PPF director Samina Ishaq highlighted workshops and seminars being conducted by PPF in rural areas to promote educated girls and women in article-writing to keep them in touch with education.

She said that while Pakistan is an agricultural country, women play a major role in cattle-hearding and cotton production, but their contributions are not accounted for officially.

Wali Mohammad Roshan, chairman, Sindh Graduates Association also spoke.—PPI