Glimpses of activities of University of Agriculture Faisalabad on World Women Day

Pakistan is the second lowest ranked country in terms of gender equality among 136 countries after Yemen which is at the bottom. These views were expressed by speakers at the inauguration of University of Agriculture Faisalabad’s Ladies Circles UAF (Ladies Club) on World Women Day. The Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, inaugurated the Circle, a platform of the women, aimed at addressing their issues and enhancing their role in socio-cultural development. Like other part of country and the globe, the Day was observed at the University with zeal and enthusiasm. It brought colorful events including walk, the posters and cooking, speech, cycle race, cultural show and others which remained a centre of attraction for the women. Addressing on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor said it was a matter of grave concerns that the country was at the second bottom in gender equality, according to the Global Gender Gap Report. He said women empowerment was prerequisite to achieve sustainable development and prosperity. We cannot make the development without involving the women in socioeconomic activities and bringing them into mainstream. He said that the University was mapping out a comprehensive plan to provide the bicycle to the female students in order to facilitate them for transportation from class rooms to their fields. Talking about the UAF initiatives, he said that the University was making all-out efforts to provide the modern facilities to the women. He said that the Ladies Circle was one of the initiatives that will prove fruitful to bring the women into mainstream of the society. He also praised the initiatives of the Government to empower the women that would open up new chapters of glory for the country. The gender ratio in the postgraduate programs at UAF is 47 women to 53 men. The Day Care Centre, Women Complex comprising four hostels with state-of-the-art residential and sports facilities, Career Development Centre and working women hostel had been added. Mrs Anjum Alam Shah from the All Pakistan Women Association (APWA) said that they have been actively engaged in welfare of women on economic, social and moral fronts. She said women were the great asset for the society. They are playing an intensive role model not only as a house keeper but also as the working force. She also gave away Rs 20,000 for the UAF Ladies Circle in order to strengthening it. Institute of Rural Home Economics Chairperson Naheed Abbas said half of the population consists of women. She said that that the University was making all tangible steps to provide the modern facilities to the women. She also stressed upon the participants to take steps for raising awareness among the masses about importance of women empowerment. Dr Noureen Rana from Zoology Department said the Ladies Circle would hold activities including counseling and mentoring sessions, establishment of gym, and address the issues of women for a health society. Husna Cheema from Aurat Foundation said that Faisalabad was worst city in women empowerment in the country. She said that women are facing challenges in the male dominant society. She said that her organization was making all steps to ensure the women empowerment. Dr Mahrukh Saeed from University of Auckland, New Zealand, said that women play a pivotal role in the society. She added that lack of freedom for women in decision making was one of the barriers for uplift of the society. Dr Tahira Iqbal said that Islam attaches great importance to women and provide them excellent rights. She called for stepping up efforts for the women empowerment in the society. Dr Sadaf Zahra Naqvi from Engro Foods said that in the modern world, the women are standing with shoulder to shoulder to men in the socio-economic activities. She urged the women to prove their mettle in every sphere of life. Dr Farah Riaz from Institute of Rural Development said that the women need to explore their inbuilt leadership qualities. Dr Fatima Mustafa said that women empowerment would also the poverty alleviation from the society. She said that the equality in socioeconomic, political and legal rights are the vital to make compete with the rest of the world.