Christian Women’s Leadership Conference on the occasion of International Women’s Day

Lahore March

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Life for Guardian Foundation Pakistan Partnership organized an event on the theme of Christian Women Leadership Conference in a private hotel in Lahore. At the conference Speakers shared their views on Investing in Women: Accelerating Growth. Highlighting the importance of the conference, Executive Director Life for Guardians Mehnaz Javed said that the purpose of today’s gathering is to promote a peaceful and strong society where women are empowered, children’s rights are protected and people of different religions live together with harmony. Former Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Ijaz Alam Augustine said in his address that followers of all religions have equal rights in Pakistan, while religious minorities have performed well in all areas of life. He further said that it is hoped that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz will enact effective legislation to protect the rights of religious minorities as well as measures for the welfare of ordinary citizens including equal human rights, promotion of peace, tolerance and religious harmony. He hoped that various measures will be taken for protection of religious minorities by leadership of PML-N.
MPA and Chairperson Panel Punjab Assembly Raheela Khadim said that women feels proud that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is their representative who has been active to ensure the protection of women’s rights since day one. She said that the Chief Minister of Punjab has directed to complete the recruitment of women on vacant posts in every department of Punjab and has announced that a law will be made to approve maternity leave for working women. Head of Youth Development Foundation Shahid Rehmat said that today is a day of pride that Christian women are performing prominently in every field and linking the world day with them will give recognition to Pakistan at the international level. If women, especially girls, want to pursue higher education in schools, colleges and universities, the families should give full support because women have a lot of potential which needs to be used for the development of the country. All the speakers including MPA Baba Philbos Christopher, Bishop of Lahore Nadeem Kamran, well-known human rights activist Nabila Feroze Bhatti emphasized on awareness among women, empowerment of women, sustainability and accountability, development while at the end of the conference Christian women awarded special shields in recognition of their valuable services in various fields.