TDEA SEMINAR

On 20th July 2018, Women Development Foundation Pakistan organized Seminar with collaboration of TDEA on “Protecting and Promoting Rights of Women” at Mehran Hotel Karachi. Program began with the recitation of Tilawat and more than 60 participants attended the seminar. Speakers were Mr. Sahib Khan (PPP), Huma Rahat (PTI); Shaheena Ramazan (National Party), Mangla Sharma (MQM) and panel discussion was moderated by Najia Ashar (Journalist, Host, Anchor and Producer (Geo News fame). Welcome note was presented by Mr. Zafar Iqbal Center Coordinator and Program activities were hosted by Ms. Hira Ambreen, Ex. Coordinator Lincoln Corner Karachi. Mrs. Sabiha Shah gave the introduction of WDFP and the purpose of organizing the seminar. Najia Ashar began the discussion and asked several questions regarding the women rights in the political manifestos. Following questions were raised in the program: What does your manifesto say about the vote of women? What is your Party Policy for women? Is your party following the rules which are set by ECP? Are those already the part of your party manifesto? Is there any unique step taken by your party for women rights in the context of election, voting and else? Mangla Sharma MQM: In MQM there is separate Ladies wing and if anyone faces issue than we all support and stand for the right decision. MQM never resisted any decision of women and they always support women views instead of demotivating and legging them behind. MQM also passed the bills and implemented the laws regarding women rights. In city women follow the rules independently but when we talk about small villages they cannot use their will power in front of male decisions.

Ms. Najia asked that there is obstruction so how it can be resolved. Panelist Mangla replied that they have appointed women staff who is providing awareness sessions to women regarding voting and motivating them to choose right candidate.

Sahib Khan PPP: Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed herself is an example of women role model in PPP. Dr. Fehmida Mirza, the first women Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan and Ms. Shehla Raza Deputy Speaker of Sindh Assembly. PPP has also followed ECP rule of 5% reserved seats for females. At the time of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto development work took place for women empowerment, she established women jail, women police stations, established first women bank, jobs for women and Benazir Income Support Program.

Shaheena Ramazan: National Party began from Baluchistan but now it is working all over Pakistan. Our party not only works for Muslim women but for all religions without discrimination in caste and creed. Our party mandate is to motivate women to work with man and to stand beside them. We all know that women are treated as slaves and tortured in the name of family customs and rituals. National Party tried and still trying to change the mindset of discriminated people and raised voice against women rights. Huma Rahat: PTI has empowered women by constructing colleges and motivate girls by awareness sessions to continue their education. Made hospitals and for ending violence, PTI established centers.

Questions raised by Participants:
1) `There are rights of protecting and promoting women than why the women are facing issues in interior Sindh? According to Article 9 and 25 of constitution men and women both have equal rights.
2) How will disable women caste vote on the Election Day? Nadir - Participant Ms. Mangla Sharma replied that in MQM there is separate wing for PWD and Sahib Khan said that in assembly he will appeal for DWA rights and in future PPP will work for them.
3) Transgender Nisha - Raised question about transgender rights in the manifesto of political parties? Huma of PTI responded Nisha that they are doing work for their rights, specially the voter list and the registration for CNIC as transgender.

Conclusion of the Discussion:

There are issues for women in the society and after panel discussion known about the work for women by different political parties. Work is done for women rights but still lot more to do for them. Panelists shared their point of views and at the questions and answers session took place. Goodie bags of WDFP were presented to panelists, certificates to volunteers and Group Picture was captured with panelists, guests and WDFP staff. Ms. Abida Memon shared Charter of Demand and Mr. Abdul Rahim Moosvi presented vote of thanks to all for taking out their precious time to make seminar honored and colorful with their presence