islamabad - Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Marvi Memon yesterday said the government is undertaking serious efforts to ensure gender equality and women empowerment.
She stated this while speaking at an interactive session held to commemorate International Women’s Day 2016. The chairperson BISP said the economy must work for women so that they can contribute towards economic progress as it ultimately empowers the nation.
She said “women need empowerment, we are proud to be the largest empowerment programme with prime focus on women.” Marvi said besides being a social safety net, BISP has a strong focus on women empowerment, adding BISP strives to bring its beneficiaries in direct contact with ruling elite, media and women role-models.
The interactive session organized at BISP Secretariat was attended by BISP beneficiaries and leading women journalists. The chairperson BISP said that women make immeasurable contributions to the society. Their contribution as entrepreneurs, educators, scientists, artists, soldiers and head of states cannot be undermined, she added.
The session concluded with a resolve that women should believe in themselves and strive for the best of their abilities. She said it is high time to reshape misperceptions, realize hidden potential, stand up for rights and added the media has major role to play in this struggle.
She said “Each of us can be a leader within our own spheres of influence and should commit to take pragmatic steps to accelerate gender equality.”
Under International Women’s Day 2016 theme “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it Up for Gender Equality” government pledges to take concrete steps to help achieve gender parity. Later, Chairperson BISP connected with the beneficiaries from remote areas via live radio broadcast.
Beneficiaries from all over Pakistan, apprised the chairperson of the problems faced by them. Replying to queries, Chairperson stated that since she assumed office last February, she has been trying to make BISP more efficient. She expects a re-survey transition, payment transition and a graduation transition this year.
She assured the live callers that their complaints would redressed at the earliest.