ILO moot pays tribute to working women

ISLAMABAD: A two-day convention, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), to celebrate the achievements of women in the world of work pledged their commitment to promoting gender equality and decent work.

More than 200 representatives from Government, employers, workers, service providers, civil society, academia, donors, United Nations agencies and media came together at the convention.

The convention showcased achievements and learning from the One-UN funded project Towards Gender Equality and the Canadian Government-funded project Promoting Gender Equality for Decent Employment.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Human Rights, said that his government treats gender as a human rights issue and ensures that affirmative action is taken to provide social justice to men and women by working towards "competitiveness, productivity, growth of the economy, the creation of decent jobs and the employability for all". He particularly thanked the
ILO for assisting the stakeholders to contribute to this goal.

The ILO and the Departments of Labour formalized their joint collaboration towards Gender mainstreaming in the World of Work through establishing Gender Units under which the ILO will provide technical assistance for capacity development.

Speaking at the occasion, the Canadian High Commissioner, Ross Hynes said that this project reflected his country's long standing and continuing commitment to gender equality and social and economic development in Pakistan.

"Women's Economic Empowerment can only be achieved by involving
men in the process of change, hence all projects should effectively engage men and women in employment, decision-making and policy dialogue", said High Commissioner Hynes.

Highlighting the importance of providing enabling working environment, Dr Fauzia Saeed, Chairperson National Implementation Watch Committee (for Anti Harassment Act) and member National Commission on the Status of Women, said that "potentials of men and women can only be optimally utilized if their abilities, knowledge and skills are developed and that is only possible if special support mechanisms; policies and programmes are adopted that address the realities and needs of these men and women".

Moneeza Hashmi, while talking to women from unconventional professions including carpentry and cricket commentary, noted that their determination and support from government, employers and development projects have helped women overcome difficulties, achieve success and contribute to their families' and communities' development at par with men.

The convention included live demonstrations and experience
sharing of women entrepreneurs and factory workers from across
the country that the audience highly appreciated. A number of stalls displaying products and reports remained the centre of attraction for visitors. (APP)