Pakistan MPs advocate partnership in the peace process

In a concern that has always been debated and fought for, be it at family gathering, board room meetings at corporate houses or at parliaments, the voice of Indian women were strengthened by their Pakistani counterparts in their quest to women empowerment. A conference jointly organized by Centre of Public Policy and ASSOCHAM that brought together Dr. Syeda Hameed, Member Planning Commisiion, Dr. Mohini Giri, Former Chairperson, National Commission for Women and Chairperson-Guild of Service and Ms. Mossarat Qadeem who is heading a Pakistani delegation to India. In her speech on women empowerment and equality Ms Qadeem carved a very unique role for women in the contemporary political scenario. She said, “Women should be given a say not only in the political process but also in the peace process.” She also said that it is for the women to be passive yet assertive with men. In her words,” You have to lobby more with men than women” in order to change the approach of men. In respect to implementation of the quota she said that women who fight their way to power from the very grass root level are proved to be more efficient leaders as compared to women who come into power by the virtue of being the wife or daughter of any party leader.

Dr. Syeda Hameed, Member of Planning Commision, emphasized on the importance of collaboration between government and non-government organizations as well as interface with civil society. She said, “We have made progress. From empowerment we are looking at women as an agent of change.”11th Commission focuses on women as an agency of change and child rights. Women need to assert their identity in the Panchayat instead of being representative of the male folk. “The change in India,” according to her, “is like fireflies rising in the darkness. And the change is taking place everywhere.” She expressed concerns over the Millenium Development Goal saying that with 1/3rd of the population uneducated we might not achieve any goals. She held the men equally responsible for this. She also expressed concern over the neglected health issues of women and the surge of violence against women in the conflict zones like Kashmir and North-East. Women are worst hit in these areas and the 12th Commission will address this issue. She cited the example of ‘ardhnarishwar’ concept and said that the society should refrain from suppressing the sensitivity and emotions in a man in order to do away with the gender bias and stereo types.

Men were on the mat and were charged for being the stumbling block in the way to woman empowerment. Supriya Sule, Member of Parliament, spoke on the double responsibilities that a woman has to face. There is no disputing the fact that women have the capacity to multitask. However, the traditional role of women in keeping the house and bringing up the children come in their way in contributing substantially to the society. She expressed concern regarding the women reservation bill saying that it might not be materialized owing to the patriarchal approach at home as well as at the parliament.

Another dignitary who represented the rural population was Ganga Gupta, Programme Officer (Training) The Hunger Project spoke about the male dominance on women in the Panchayats. She said, “Women are threatened by the society if they want to stand up in the elections. Domestic violence is prevalent at every strata of the society irrespective of their background, education or monetary status. Hence, women should not move back in the fear of getting beaten up. Women have proved themselves to be efficient leaders and administrators at various levels at gram panchayat and social service organizations. They will definitely leave a positive impact in the society and achieve their goals.”

The conference came alive with a different perspectives and concerns over woman empowerment and how men can be made an equal partner in this progress. The other dignitaries who voiced their opinion were Dr. Vinay Rai, Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Education, Employability and Social Justice, Ms. Seema Jajodia, Chairperson Assocham Womens Foundation, Mr. Babu Lal Jain, Chairman Entrepreneurship Development council, Dr, Ranjana Kumari, President, Centre for Social Research, Dr, Mohini Giri, Former Chairperson, National Commisson for Women, Madhu Kishwar, Editor, Manushi, Dr, Azra Abidi, Secretary, Muslim Women’s Forum, Mawlana Amin Usmani, Secretary, Islamic Fiqh Academy and George Mathew, Director, Institute of Social Sciences.