ISLAMABAD, MAR 07 (DNA) -The British High Commission Chevening Alumni Association of Pakistan and the Lahore College for Women University on Monday hosted a debate on Women Empowerment and the role of women in Pakistan.The keynote speakers, all Chevening alumni, include Yasmeen Rehman, former MNA and currently the Strategic Adviser on Improving Parliamentary Performance in Pakistan; renowned entrepreneur Hassan Shah; lawyer Huma Ijaz; and TV documentaries producer Wajiha Rizvi.

The event also includes academic Jane Henrici from George Washington University Global Gender Program.
Speaking at the event, the British High Commission’s Political Counsellor Jennifer Cole OBE said, “As a longstanding partner of Pakistan, the UK is working with the Government of Pakistan and various non-government organisations for women empowerment in Pakistan.

The UK’s support to the Pakistan Government’s work on education will help benefit over 4.6 million girls in primary and secondary schools – enabling them to stay longer and learn better at schools.

She added,” Our support has helped train more than 51,000 women in job-related skills working under the Punjab Skills Development Fund and has helped more than 965,000 poor women access microfinance. We have also helped 1.61 million women to receive monthly cash transfers under the Pakistan government’s cash transfer programme – the Benazir Income Support Programme”.

“Our Chevening scholarship programme offers an opportunity for the future female leaders of Pakistan not only to set successful examples of women empowerment in Pakistan but also act as agents of change for Pakistan’s pathway to women autonomy.

In the last three years, Pakistani women have brought home the Nobel Peace Prize, an Emmy and two Oscars! Pakistan also has the honour of being the first Muslim nation to have a female Prime Minister, she added.

Jennifer Cole said, by investing in women and girls, countries can accelerate their social, economic and political development.

“ I hope Pakistan will continue to encourage the involvement of women in all aspects of society like the UK is committed to support the people and the government of Pakistan.”=DNA