Serena Hotels host grand event on the occasion of International Women Day

DNA

Islamabad, MAR 8: The First Lady Begum Samina Alvi said that Pakistani women are very talented and they have a bright future in the country. She said that the government has taken a lot of legislative and policy measures for the empowerment of women and urged that the elite class of women should play a role to create better awareness in other women about such measures so that they could take benefit from them.

She said this while addressing as Chief Guest at the International Women’s Day at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Earlier she also attended a grand event at the Islamabad Serena Hotel. CEO Serena Hotels South and East Asia Aziz Boolani and Mrs. Viqar Boolani greeted the guests. A large number of members of the diplomatic corps along with their spouses attended the event. The women entrepreneurs and a large number of women from various walks of life attended the event.

Begum Samina Alvi said that Kamyab Jawan Program provided an attractive financing scheme for women entrepreneurs and they should take benefit from it for achieving better growth in the business field. She said that SBP Asaan Mobile Account platform provided women an easy option to open bank accounts and increase their financial inclusion. She said that Chambers of Commerce & Industry should play a role for promotion of women entrepreneurs to increase their economic prosperity. She stressed that ramps should be arranged in existing and upcoming buildings for differently abled persons including females to provide them easy access to markets and offices. She said that women’s potential should be highlighted at international level for their better exposure.

Begum Alvi expressed satisfaction over the progress on the emancipation of women in Pakistan at all levels, including the representation of women in the parliament.She said Pakistani women were progressing in all fields on the basis of their talent and determination.

She mentioned that Islam and the Constitution of Pakistan promoted the rights of women and encouraged their positive participation in the activities of the society.However, she stressed awareness among women about their rights, adding that educated women, parliamentarians, and entrepreneurs could play a role in guiding the womenfolk in this regard.

Begum Alvi said the president and prime minister of Pakistan were committed to the empowerment of women and particularly focused on ensuring their inheritance rights.She also emphasized protecting the rights of disabled persons by facilitating them through the provision of necessary infrastructure at public places.She said through the welfare of women and disabled persons, Pakistan could earn a positive image in the comity of nations.

President ICCI Shakil Mallik said women had a significant role in the economic development of the country. Joint Director State Bank of Pakistan Shireen Baloch gave a presentation about the steps taken on the financial inclusion of women regardless of any gender discrimination.