A forum held on the role of working women in the economy

Women participation rate in employment in the country is only around 30 per cent because of traditions, gender discrimination and lack of education. It was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while addressing a forum held on the role of working women in the economy. He stressed the need to sensitizing the people about the importance of education for women and providing equal opportunities in all walks of the life. He said that women were one of key players in the development and women had great potential to secure a better future for coming generations. He said that he literacy rate in the country is very low which is only 58 percent that must be increased to combat the challenges of 21st century with the help of power of knowledge. He said that only 47 per cent women are educated compared to 70 percent of male. He said that in the US, as many as 60 percent of enrolled universities students are women. He said that 40 percent of the students and faculty at UAF are women. The efforts are afford to increase the number more by increasing hostels facilities etc, he added. The Vice Chancellor said that working women were playing the significant role in the development of the country. At one hand, they are doing their duties at their workplace. On the other hand, they have to perform the chores at their homes. Renowned Psychiatrist Dr Nusheen Shiekh also lauded working women role being played for the socio-economic development of the country. She said: “Hazarat Khadija (RA) was the first career woman in Islam. Her footprints must be followed to play role affectivity in the society.” She added that women encouragement for participation in the national development and protection of their rights is utmost essential. She also called for women empowerment; equal rights to women and increase in literacy. She also briefed the audience about the stress management strategies. Registrar Muhammad Husasin said women are most important pillar of family and the society. He said that as many as 600 teaching staff was working at the campus. Out of which, 400 are literatures or assistant professor. The number of women in young faculty is increasing rapidly, he added.