The 110th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) discussed equal citizenry and the status of women.
The first guest on show, Dr. Dervish Khan Afridi, Lecturer, Department of the Gender Studies, University of Peshawar, noted that in all the democratic countries around the world, fundamental human rights are equally extended to all the citizens, without any discrimination based on gender, creed or culture. The constitution of Pakistan also ensures equal rights for all the citizens. Only by constitutional rights awareness, can citizens prevent their rights from being violated. The violation of these rights is not justified under any circumstances as it is detrimental to social cohesion and peace. Humans – through the process of evolution – have realized that democracy is the best form of governance as it is a system most conducive to and promotes equal rights and inclusion. Equality demands equal opportunities of participation in the socio-economic and political life to all segments of the society indiscriminately.
The patriarchal structure of society negatively influences all the social institutions in terms of gender mainstreaming. Legal provisions are there for the protection of women but women’s unawareness of their legal rights and services on-offer, and sometimes the implementation issues direly affect the gender gap.
Our salvation lies in devising a comprehensive awareness programme to cultivate a mindset key to unlock gender equality, he concluded.
The second guest on phone, Dr. Anoosh Khan, Chairperson, Department of Gender Studies, University of Peshawar, noted that leadership development starts at home and if women are brought up in an environment conducive to self-confidence, critical-thinking, encouragement and leadership qualities, then we can expect women in the positions of prominence and leadership, in the future.
Women in parliament should also actively participate in the policy making processes, highlight the socio-economic and political interests of women and other issues of concern during discussions in the upper and lower houses.
The third guest on show, Ms. Irum Rahim, Ulasi Taroon alumna, and student of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar noted that participation in the Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshop turned out to be a life-changing experience for her. Such opportunities are crucial to hone females’ leadership potential.
Family support matters a lot to females for their productive and confident participation in the society. Onus is also on women to be aware of their rights as equal citizens. Not only women themselves should voice their concerns, but also male leaders from all sectors of the society, supporting them and promoting the value of women participation.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.