Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter, has said women parliamentarians could redefine democracy and ensure social justice in the times to come.
Maryam said women parliamentarians held a unique position and could prove as an agent of change in societies.
The Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) was playing an important role in championing the cause of women and their global empowerment, she added, addressing a three-day international conference organised by WPC in Islamabad on Monday.
Maryam urged the women parliamentarians to become a harbinger of good news for their female compatriots by championing and encouraging them.
"The person behind a successful woman is not necessarily a man, but could be a tribe of women," she said, adding that healthy dialogue and unity would make women stronger.
She felicitated National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and the Women Parliamentary Caucus for organising the conference with an objective to highlight fundamental issues of rights and responsibilities, and also to add the voice of Pakistani and South Asian women to the universal discourse.
Maryam Nawaz said immense problems were faced by women as they struggled for their basic rights, health, economic opportunities and social freedom.
"We must recognise the gap and strengthen the state in providing adequate protection to the disadvantaged communities for equitable roles alongside men and against discrimination," she said.
Maryam said Pakistan was today home to remarkable individuals, who were full of courage and dedication.
She mentioned the contributions of the youngest winner of Nobel Prize Malala Yousufzai, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy as first Pakistani to win Academy Awards, and first woman pilot Maryam Mukhtar.
--IANS
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