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This culture of violence and impunity must end and women's Human Rights be respected and protected.
PLF SEMINAR ON INTERNATION WOMEN DAY
On the occasion of the International Women Day one Day National Seminar on the Problems of the Working Women’s and the Role of Trade Unions was held on 8th March,2011 at 3.00O Clock at Ambassador Lahore organized by Pakistan Labour Federation (PLF) Affiliated with World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) Trade Union Leaders from different Organizations attended this Seminar. Haji Muhammad Saeed Arian Founder/Secretary General of Pakistan Labour Federation (PLF) welcomed the Participants and said that the year 2011 marks the centenary of International Women’s Day celebrations. He said that since 1911, this day has been a Global event, celebrating the Economic, Political and Social achievements of women in the past, present and future, and mobilizing to address the challenges. Around the Globe, He Said that this National Seminar organize by the Pakistan Labour Federation (PLF) with the collaboration of World Asian Workers Organization (WAWO) He said that Trade Union should work for the women’s Equality, assess the challenges facing Girls and Women, look at ways to improve the quality of life and to actualize rights, and to empower Girls and Women in all spheres of human endeavors. He said that in the 55th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in February 2011. it was the first time, that Gender, Education and Decent work were included together as priority themes in the UN CSW working agenda.
Mrs Atia Saleem Chairperson said: “We know that investment in all quality public services is a key driver of development. As such, Trade Unions have serious concerns with the reduction to budgets that support public services which Governments have undertaken in response to the current Economic Crisis. She said that the WAWO main aim to Education for All goals are to be achieved, the investment in the public sector should be increased, not decreased.” She told the participants that the main themes of the seminar is end of discriminatory Laws against women and minorities, Equal opportunities of Decent work for women, reorganization of home based Working women.
Ms Rizwana Yasmeen Senior Vice President PLF and Secretary General All Pakistan Women Employees Association (Registered) added: “Strategies to improve access to Education have been put in place in many countries. These have resulted in increased enrolment numbers for Girls, and progress towards Gender parity in primary school completion. High drop-out rates are still prevalent, however, and they are higher for Girls in a number of Developing Countries, especially in secondary education, which is key for empowering Girls. Drop-out rates are clearly associated with poverty, and also the related phenomenon of Child Labour. Girls face additional challenges because of the HIV epidemic, work in the home, and also of vulnerable, at risk employment in the entertainment industry or as domestic workers. When education is of sufficient quality, when Girls are safe, fed, and pay no fees, parents will send them to school, not to work. Gender inclusive policies aimed at achieving quality primary and secondary education and ensuring universal access are the key to overcoming these development challenges and structural discriminations.” Mrs Shumlai Sadiq Secretary Women Wing of (PTWF) said that she would like to wish all working women’s very happy and vibrant International Women Day. 8th March because it is certainly a symbol of women strength and unity. This day means to bring women together no matter which race, color, religion and nation they belong to Globally and especially in Pakistan women are facing serious challenges in terms of protecting their Basic Rights She said that she strongly believe empowering women would make easy to deal with challenges because “One Woman Can Change anything, Many Women Can Change Everything”She calls on the working people, men and women, to join massively the ranks of the Trades Union on National level and to struggle together for a peaceful and just future without discrimination and inequalities. She said that this is the best way to honour the anniversary of the 8th March, but also every anniversary that marks the struggles of the working women’s Chief Guest Mrs Fiaza Malik Member Parliament paid tribute to the vanguard women Fighters of the working class who paved the way for the emancipation of women and have left us a significant and rich heritage, a lesson that remains indelible in the course of humanity: Participants in the Seminar Demanding the Government to take quick steps to end Violence Against Women and to provide equal opportunities to womens in all walk of Life.
(Haji Muhammad Saeed Arian)
Founder/Secretary General
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