Yusuf Raza Gilani... Pakistain's erstwhile current prime minister, whose occasional mental gymnastics can be awe-inspiring ...
said the government is determined to implement the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for empowerment of women.
Speaking on the occasion of 100th anniversary of International Women's Day here on Tuesday, Prime Minister Gilani said the present democratic government is fully cognizant of the existing issues and problems being faced by women ranging from domestic to national life.
He said the theme of this year's International Women's Day of "access to education, training, science & technology" is in accordance with the march of time.
The government has taken significant initiatives for the social, political and economic empowerment of women, he added.
The Prime Minister said each year International Women's Day provides an occasion for taking stock of the progress and reflecting on the challenges that remain in the pursuit of gender equality.
He paid tribute to the brave women, who played a major role in the creation of Pakistain.
"Without their commitment, sacrifices, and struggle, it would not have been possible to realize the reality of Pakistain," he said.
He congratulated women around the world who are working tirelessly to end violence, prejudice and biases against them.
The Prime Minister said discrimination against women weakens society as a whole.
"Women's rights issues are not limited to Pakistain alone.
Other countries in the region are also faced with similar problems and barriers of archaic traditions and practices."
Gilani said no society can move forward without undoing the discriminatory attitudes and laws regarding women.
He noted that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto always placed women's empowerment agenda on her top priority.
"She encouraged women to come forward and contribute to the national progress," he said adding, "We will not bow down before the agenda of the faceless myrmidons who believe in destroying girls schools."
The Prime Minister said the government is determined to mainstream women's issues in the policies of the government.
National Policy for Development and Empowerment of Women, 2002 and National Plan of Action is being reviewed in the light of the current requirements and the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.
He said the government is addressing the subject of economic empowerment of women through various initiatives.
"Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the largest ever program to provide financial support directly to the women of poor households is the bedrock of these initiatives."
Among others, it provides skills and technical training, health insurance and loans of upto Rs. 300,000, he said adding BISP has provided Rs. 25,000 for female beneficiaries in the flood affected areas.
The Prime Minister said BISP is not only contributing directly to the income of five million poor families across the country but has also empowered women by channeling cash transfers through them.
He congratulated Speaker of National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza who took the initiative to launch the women caucus of 90 women parliamentarians.
"These committed women parliamentarians have been addressing the agenda of women development and empowerment across party lines for the rights of women in Pakistain."
Gilani expressed his government's commitment to a strong legislative cover to address women issues, which is evident through the measures taken so far.
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2009 has been enacted alongwith Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act passed by the parliament last year, he added.