Women quota in public service to be doubled, says Sherry

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman on Friday said existing 10 percent women quota in public service would be doubled.

“We are struggling hard to empower women in the country and would use all available resource including other ministries in this respect,” she said at a workshop on “Social and Legal Aspects of Discrimination and Inequalities against Women” organised by Gender Development Section, Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with the National Gender Reform Action Plan (NGRAP).

The minister distributed certificates among participants of the workshop and appreciated NGRAP’s efforts to empower women.

The workshop discussed laws and their implications for the social and legal aspects of women, how discrimination and inequalities are manifested and their impact on women.

Later, talking to media, Rehman reiterated commitment of the PPP government to bring women into the national mainstream.

“We are an elected, accountable government and we enjoy the support of majority of women voters,” said Rehman, stressing that political will, commitment and action, not just resources, lead to achievement of goals.

She indicated that legislative process was underway to make laws regarding women prisoners, domestic violence and land allotment for ensuring social and economic rights to the women. “We’ll fast track it,” she added.
Source: Dawn
Date:6/7/2008