The 142nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme.
The first guest on show, Mr. Safi Ullah Gul, a senior journalist, noted that equality is about the provision of equal rights and opportunities for all segments of the society. Equity goes a step ahead and is about offering varying level of support to different segments depending upon their different needs with the objective to achieve greater fairness and bring them at par with other segments of the society. A nation can only progress if women are given ample and equal opportunities for socio-economic and political participation. No country can progress without the participation and utilizing the potential of such a large portion of population. Consideration and delivery of the development needs of women only benefits the overall progress and fosters democratic development of the country.
Patriarchal societies often tend to assign only traditional gender roles to women which decays their talents, skills and capacity to be a productive part of economy. Such societies need massive awareness about the role and rights of women as equal citizens and to not let gender become an inhibiting factor for growth. Empowering women not only empowers a family but the entire society benefits from their potential which can ultimately change the fate of nations. Also important is to give them opportunities to explore their potential in different career fields and not restricting them only to a few fields.
The second guest on show, Mr. Shahab, Ulasi Taroon Alumnus and student of Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, noted that people living in a diverse society have different needs and require different opportunities given their different talents and nature of potential, therefore, they need to be fulfilled accordingly as a matter of equity. Besides the provision of opportunities and conducive social environment, we should also encourage women to confidently participate in the development processes; economy and politics. As responsible citizens, we should cultivate an abundance mindset that accepts differences, welcomes diversity and respects everyone. Social cohesion lies in social environment conducive to the inclusion of different groups regardless of differences of gender, cast or creed.
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.