Islamabad: Hostel for working women shortly

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Wednesday a hostel would be established for female journalists in the new press club building.

Addressing a ceremony "Umeed-e-Sehr Ki Baat Suno" organised specially for female journalists on the eve of International Women Day here at PNCA National Art Gallery, the minister said funds would be allocated for the hostel along with the budget for National Press Club's new building in the Capital.

Dr Firdous said, "I announce on the behalf of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to establish a hostel for the working women."

She said day-care centres would also be set up at the Pakistan Television and the National Press Club.

The Minister congratulated the working women on the International Women Day, saying the government had taken a number of steps for their empowerment.

"Our leadership is committed to empower the women politically, economically and socially as per vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto," she said.

She dedicated the evening to the women journalists and said that women in media were facing challenges while performing their professional duties.

"We are taking several measures for the welfare of women journalists," she remarked.

She said the government believed in the freedom of press and added that a female journalist caucus would be formed.

At the end, a colorful music programme was also arranged for the audience. (APP)