Islamabad: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme, Senator Rubina Khalid, attended a seminar titled "Role of Women in Social Cohesion and Inclusive Democracy," organized by the Resilient Women Network at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Service as a special guest. The seminar aimed to discuss effective strategies for the social, economic, and political empowerment of Pakistani women and girls and to formulate related policies.
Addressing the female participants on this occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid stated that after Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was the woman who raised her voice for the rights of Pakistani women and raised awareness among them. She emphasized that the Benazir Income Support Programme is the fulfillment of the vision and dream of Bibi Shaheed, that ensured identity and mainstreaming of millions of Pakistani women through their inclusion in national database and recognized their vital role in the community development and socioeconomic advancement of the country at large. She lauded President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari's decision to recognize female households as heads of the families and said that it proved to be a game-changer for the women of Pakistan in their urge for financial inclusion and equality.
Senator Rubina Khalid also highlighted that more than 9.3 million women in the country are currently benefiting from Benazir Kafalat. She mentioned that at an international forum, an Italian representative described Bibi Shaheed as "the name of resilience." Senator Khalid further stated that women must have both awareness and economic independence. She informed the participants about the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, Nashonuma programs, the Benazir Hunarmand Program, and the registration procedure.
Senator Rubina Khalid concluded by emphasizing the importance of raising our voices against the humiliation and character assassination of women on social media. 'We will not tolerate any form of humiliation of women and will respond firmly to such behavior,' she asserted.
During the event, Secretary of the Women Parliamentarians Caucus, Ms. Shahida Rehmani, Dr. Shaista Jadoon, Ms. Huma Akhtar, and Ms. Asia Nazir also shared their views with the female participants and praised the efforts of the Benazir Income Support Programme and Senator Rubina Khalid in empowering deserving women socially and economically.