The 145th 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, Ms. Kalsoom Zeb, a writer, said that the essentiality for women empowerment is their recognition as equal citizens, consideration of the different needs of female population for inclusion, and socio-political participation and equal provision of fundamental human rights that they are constitutionally entitled to. They must be given opportunities to explore avenues of participation in the national socio-political life. Pakistan movement is a powerful example of active and equal female participation in the political processes.
The articles 8-28 of the constitution of Pakistan leave no room for gender-based discrimination and using culture and tradition as tools to constrain the social mobility of female population. History dictates that women have a great leadership, social development and peacebuilding potential and subjecting them to discrimination will be only detrimental to the overall national development and prosperity. Patriarchalism is contrary to modernity and there is no room for it in the contemporary times.
Another essentiality for women empowerment is ensuring that their right to education constitutionally available to them is not violated due to any reason whatsoever. The women in tribal areas have a great potential to participate in the national development processes, however, they need encouragement, awareness and opportunities. Without the equal participation of both men and women, it is always hard for any nation to develop at part with their regional and international competition.
The second on show, Ms. Zeeba Afridi, a poetess, noted that the idea of women empowerment should not be seen with negative connotation and it really needs to be understood in terms of the stakes it heightens for national development and the much-needed social capital that it consolidates for the country. Contrary to the negative connotation attached to the concept, women empowerment only means letting over half of the country’s overall population play its role for the progress and prosperity of society. Our constitution as well as religion advocate for the empowerment, equal participation of and provision of fundamental human rights to women. Only educated women in the society can raise better families and future leaders. Onus is also on women to learn about their rights, and develop knowledge and skills key to their active participation in the society.
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.