ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The government has created 25,000 posts for women at different tiers besides 70 percent jobs in primary education during year 2016-17.
The jobs were created after lifting ban on recruitment whereas women’s employment is encouraged, and the government has announced a 10 percent quota for women in public sector employment, Punjab raised this to 15 percent and Sindh to 25 percent.
According to Economic Survey 2016-17, government has taken number of steps for women empowerment in the country. In this regard Punjab Fair Representation of Women Act 2014 ensures 33 percent representation of women on all boards of statutory bodies, public sector companies, etc.
Pakistan Army started recruiting women officers. Pakistan Air Force also has women fighter pilots on duty alongside their male counterparts, an official of ministry of Human Rights told the state-run news agency.
Prime Minister directed to ensure 50 percent participation of women in PM’s Youth Loan Schemes for the empowerment of women.
In order to promote innovative ideas based on business plans leading to solution of social problems, the government has established a Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at a cost of Rs.178.43 million.
The project is unique in nature for addressing social issues through innovative business plans and women are equally encouraged to grow as an entrepreneur.
Under Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) interest free financial assistance has also been provided to the female beneficiaries under their Waseela-e-Haq (Micro-finance) programme to start their own business.
Vocational and Technical Training of one month to a year’s duration, to the female beneficiary or her nominee is provided under the Waseela-e-Rozgar (Technical and Vocational Training) programme (target is 150,000 beneficiaries) with a monthly stipend for each trainee is Rs. 6,000.
Acknowledging `honor’ killings one of the most critical problems facing the country, the incumbent government has enacted effective legislation to address women’s issues with a view to safeguard their rights including (Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences in the name or pretext of Honour) Act, 2016) and (Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences Relating to Rape), 2016).
