Tando Jam Web Desk:
An international conference on women’s empowerment marked a significant milestone, with IQRA Kanwal, founder of ILMC, emphasizing the importance of empowering not just individuals but also experts across Sindh. Speaking at the event, she shared her vision for nurturing expertise to bring transformative ideas to life. She proudly recalled organizing the World Food Conference, becoming the first woman in Sindh to do so.
“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Shabana for her support, which inspired the foundation of this conference,” said Kanwal. She stressed the need for experts to bridge the gap between academic depth and practical application, ensuring their ideas align with international standards.
Provincial Minister Shahina Sher Ali’s Vision for Working Women
Addressing the conference, Sindh’s Provincial Minister Shahina Sher Ali highlighted the invaluable contributions of rural women in agriculture. “The women laboring in fields with children in their arms are the real working women of Sindh. They deserve the same recognition as urban professionals,” she stated.
Ali announced the establishment of 115 daycare centers across Sindh to support these women. She called for greater appreciation of women who balance domestic responsibilities with agricultural labor, underscoring the need to uplift their children’s futures.
Empowering Women for Sustainable Growth
Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, Vice-Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University, emphasized that achieving gender equality is key to national progress. “Although 67% of women actively participate in agriculture, they lack fair wages and property rights,” he said, advocating for equal ownership and decision-making opportunities for women in education, research, and governance.
Former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Fateh Mari expressed concern over the low representation of girls in higher education, with only 2% reaching advanced levels. He stressed the importance of engaging women in market dynamics, noting their minimal presence in marketing roles despite their labor-intensive contributions to agriculture.
The Voices of Advocacy
International and local leaders echoed the need for systemic change. FAO’s Ms. Ann Clary highlighted the long hours and health challenges faced by women in fields, exacerbated by climate change and nutritional deficiencies. Social activist Zahida Detho emphasized the need for legal protections and marketing platforms for women, urging recognition of their labor in economic policies.
Unified Efforts for Women’s Empowerment
Experts from academia, government, and NGOs stressed collaborative action to integrate women into decision-making roles across sectors. Dr. Muhammad Ismail, Dr. Shabana Memon, and others called for equitable rights and opportunities in education, business, and society to strengthen the economy and promote gender parity.
Event Highlights and Future Goals
The conference concluded with a vibrant exhibition featuring initiatives from various organizations. Hundreds of participants, including students, faculty members, and government officials, attended, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in Sindh.
This historic event underscores the importance of recognizing rural women’s contributions and creating pathways for their growth. As the discussions continue, hopes are high for lasting changes that will empower women to shape a brighter future for Sindh and beyond.
