Empowering the women of Pakistan is crucial for the progress of our country. According to me, basically any empowerment means financial. Without achieving that goal, it’s meaningless to consider the strengthening of the womenfolk of this land.

Any woman who is making an earning, whether it is from a job or a business, can be regarded as an empowered

individual. This is because a financially independent woman has a standing in the society. As she is not dependent on anyone for her basic needs, she is a confident and secure person. Her opinion and views are respected and valued not only in her family, but also among her peers, extended relations, colleagues and friends.

It is important for us to understand that,

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for any country to develop, women need to come out and play their role. By and large, women are more than 50% of the population of Pakistan. And if we shove aside this half, making them non-productive and a liability, any form of development would become unlikely.

Honestly, I feel if a woman is given a task or an important post, she definitely does a better job than a man. Instinctively, she is an excellent

administrator, loyal, hardworking and responsible. These are inborn qualities in a woman. In my experience, women are much better and efficient workers than men. They contribute much more, once they are made productive by providing them an opportunity.

The major barrier in the empowerment of our women is her family, especially men. They believe if unmarried girls go out and work with other men or become financially independent, their chances of getting a good proposal diminishes. But things are changing, if not by choice, then by necessity. Even women wearing hijab are working today, as the rising inflation has made it impossible for a family to survive on one person’s salary.

My observation is that a working woman is a happier wife and a confident and better mother than

a housewife. The reason is that when she reaches home after spending the whole day at work, she gives her child and home quality time which is beneficial for the whole family. Whereas a woman who is at home 24/7, is usually tired of catering to the never ending demands of her children and is usually bitter & unhappy. Hence a working woman is not only a productive and constructive individual who is contributing to the society but also has an enhanced sense of self which reflects in her attitude towards

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her family, especially her children.

It is important to realize that when a woman leaves home and enters the job or business market, ,she is exposed to many ideas and concepts which enrich and enlighten her, making her more knowledgeable, wise and well-informed. She passes on all this learning to her children, making them smarter and aware, hence contributing to development of the whole nation.

It is unfortunate that no political party has ever taken any concrete steps to empower the women. The reason being that they are basically insecure. They believe that if we make the people aware and enlightened, they will question our actions and promises. Hence, for all the political parties, it is an ideal situation that the Pakistani men have a backward and non-constructive approach and keep their women confined to the four walls of their homes. Islam teaches us tolerance, love of learning, having a progressive approach

and being a good human being. We all should play our role in making this country a developed and disciplined nation ,through hard work , determination and by encouraging our women to contribute in the development process.

In our organization,we promote and encourage women to work with us. Every institute and company of this country should support and assist

in making the Pakistani women financially independent .

I believe that there should be 50% quota for women in all government departments. We have to facilitate women to enable them to become productive citizens of Pakistan. This can be done by providing daycare facilities, transport and skill development to them.

We all can and should contribute in making Pakistan a prosperous and progressive nation.

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