A seminar on role of women in male dominated society was held here at the
GC University Lahore in connection with the Women's Day to discuss the
different stereotypes and challenges faced by females range from an
uncomfortable sense of being viewed as less rational, excessively sensitive
and less capable of performing certain activities, to the difficulty of
reconciling work with motherhood.
Eminent jurist Justice (r) Nasira Javed Iqbal, Lahore High Court judge
Hon'ble Justice Ms. Ayesha A. Malik, human rights advocate Ms. Anooshay
Shaigon addressed the seminar chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar
Zaidi.
The seminar was organized by the University's Quaid-e-Azam Political
Science Society.
The speakers stressed that there are still many barriers in the way of
women's progression which reinforces the importance of present-day gender
studies. They asked women to fear none, raise their head high and make
their own way in all fields of life.
Hon'ble Justice Ayesha A. Malik said that said women are confident, they
are strong and they have a mind of their own and it's the only the
perception that needs to be changed. She shared her experience and
challenges of working as an advocate and later as judge with young girls
participating in the seminar.
Justice Ayesha A. Malik remembered she had been told all her childhood that
law was not a suitable profession for women, but she persisted and followed
her passion and made a space for her in this field.
Justice (r) Nasira Javed Iqbal said all days are women's days; talking
about women's rights for one day in a year is not enough. "There is the
need for action, too, and for demanding rights 365 days a year," she said.
Justice (r) Nasira Iqbal stressed that Pakistan could not progress without
the equal participation of women in its economy, but unfortunately women
are not freely allowed to get higher education and peruse carriers of their
choice, she said.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Asghar Zaidi said he expects from the young Ravian
girls to become trendsetters and make their mark in the professional lives
especially in the male dominated fields and change the mindset of the
society. He said only strong men can support women.