An international conference of female lawmakers from 12 nations began today in Pakistan with the objective to highlight the role of women in democracy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz opened the seminar titled 'The Role of Women Parliamentarians in Strengthening Democracy and Social Justice' being organised by the Women's Parliamentary Caucus in Pakistan.
She lauded the important role played by the group in the empowerment of women in the country and pointed out that women have equal opportunities in Pakistan in the democratic set-up.
She said Pakistan has remarkable individuals who have done a great job in different fields like education.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also spoke at the three-day conference being attended by women lawmakers from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, Australia, Romania, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Maldives, Indonesia and Nepal.
He urged parliamentarians to become torch-bearer of change and harbinger of common world with equal opportunities, Radio Pakistan reported.
Sadiq appreciated the role being played by women legislators in the Pakistani parliament.
He said Pakistan's Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms has recommended reservation of a mandatory five per cent quota of awarding party tickets to women on general seats.
He said that five to 10 per cent mandatory women voters' turn-out for the validity of any constituency election has also been proposed.
The speakers also underscored the influential role media can play in combating extremism and empowering women.
Minister of State for Interior Baligh-ur-Rehman said the government stands committed to empower women.
He said the women need to be encouraged, educated and made aware of their role in countering terrorism as they have the most crucial role to play in bringing up new generations.
The Conference was also attended by delegates from Turkey, Jordan, Iraq and Sri Lanka which shared their views about the role women are playing and can play in promoting peaceful and just societies.
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