The 59th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on March 08, 2019, on the occasion of “International Women’s Day”.
“The basic aim of this day is to educate and aware those women who are deprived of their basic rights of education, health, domestic affairs, etc”, said Ms. Shagufta Malik, Member of Provincial Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), during the radio report aired as part of the show. Women need to be given opportunities for participation in all fields of life and their contribution – whether educated or uneducated – is critical to all areas of social, economic and political life on equal terms with men. We want to ensure their inclusion and such awareness programs are initiated where they are empowered to ask about their rights and articulate their demands. There is a huge onus on female parliamentarians to work for the rights, inclusion and development of women and they need to focus on the implementation of legislation about female rights. The women’s participation in the decision making processes is vital for inclusive legislation and democracy. The political parties should also involve them in the internal decision making and electoral process.
The guest in studio Ms. Anum, a representative from Women Chamber of Commerce, Mardan, noted that the world is existing because of female presence and their role to the global cohesion is significant. No country can develop without minimizing the gender gap and ensuring participation of women in the economic life of the country. Women who have been given opportunities, they are serving the nation; rendering exceptional services in all sectors of the society including health, education, security, politics, media, civil society etc. It is very unfortunate that many women die just because their husbands don’t take them to male doctors. Women empowerment requires education and awareness of the society at large.
The second guest on show, Ms. Maham, a student from City University, Peshawar, noted that we need to cultivate our thinking in the ideals of equality and equity. For equality, we need to improve mentality. The society should not pigeon hole women with the perception that they are meant for and can only provide services in specific fields like medical. Just uncage them and witness their sagacity.
The third guest, Ms. Zahra said that there is a dire need to realize the importance of female participation and their collaboration with male counterparts as a most critical investment in the future of country’s connected and prosperous future.
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 fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.