KARACHI: Pakistan’s First Lady, Begum Samina Alvi, emphasized the need for greater participation of women in the workforce to enhance their socio-economic empowerment.
During the inaugural ceremony of the Professor Shahida Kazi Women Complex at the Karachi Press Club (KPC), Samina Alvi highlighted the importance of providing a supportive environment for women, particularly in journalism, to boost their inclusion in mainstream economic activities.
The Shahida Kazi Women Complex, inaugurated by Begum Samina Alvi, offers facilities such as a day-care center, gym, workstations, restrooms, digital platforms, and entertainment spaces. The First Lady commended this initiative, emphasizing its role in facilitating working women in balancing professional responsibilities and family care.
Addressing on the occasion, Begum Samina Alvi urged the media, especially female journalists, to actively address women’s issues and raise awareness about their rights. She recognized the unique perspective that female journalists bring to their organizations and their ability to effectively highlight various challenges faced by women in the country.
Begum Alvi praised the establishment of the first-ever Women’s Complex at KPC, stressing its importance in promoting women’s participation in professional careers. She called for the creation of a harassment-free work environment to encourage women’s inclusion in mainstream economic activities, stating that progress in the country was impossible without their active involvement.
First Lady Appreciates Media’s Role in Creating Awareness
Highlighting the media’s role, Samina Alvi encouraged continued efforts to create awareness about socio-economic issues, including breast cancer, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the importance of mental health and well-being. The First Lady acknowledged the positive impact of media support in her breast cancer awareness campaign, leading to improved reporting of early-stage cases in different hospitals across the country.
Begum Samina Alvi also expressed appreciation for naming the Complex after Prof. Shahida Kazi, recognizing her significant influence on journalists in Karachi. She emphasized the necessity of such facilities, especially day-care centers, to encourage women in pursuing professional careers.
The Secretary of the Press Club, Mr. Shoaib Ahmed, described the establishment of the Complex as a crucial step in socially uplifting women in Pakistan, particularly in the field of journalism. He emphasized that the creation of a dedicated space, based on the demand of female KPC members, would motivate and support female journalists.
During the ceremony, Begum Samina Arif Alvi was granted lifetime membership by the President of KPC.
