Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has stressed that women don't have just one day dedicated to them; all 365 days in the year belonged to them.
Speaking at an event held to commemorate International Women's Day, Maryam said that the women who supported their entire families sitting at home were unsung heroes. "I salute the women who go out to work by breaking taboos," she stressed.
She also highlighted that the traffic pilot leading her convoy en route from the CM House was a woman, adding that Chief Traffic Officer Ammara Athar was a very intelligent woman, who gave a very good briefing on traffic.
In her address, Maryam asserted that harassment and abuse against women were intolerable, stating firmly, "Harassing and rapes with women are my red line, which I said in my first speech. The reports I'm getting highlight rape cases every day."
She expressed concern over the prevalence of rape cases and highlighted the need for swift justice, lamenting instances where the police apprehend perpetrators only for them to be acquitted by the courts.
The chief minister also addressed specific cases of violence against women, including the tragic death of a 12-year-old domestic worker in Sargodha, commending the Punjab Police for swiftly apprehending the culprits in just 72 hours. "A woman is an easy target for the harassers. I've been in a death cell, and I'm glad my opponents have trained me well."
Reflecting on her own journey in politics, Nawaz acknowledged the challenges faced by women in male-dominated spheres, asserting that it took years of hard work for women to establish themselves in leadership positions. "The PML-N is a male-dominated party. I worked hard for 12-13 years to create my space."
She reiterated her commitment to gender equality, emphasizing that every day should be considered Women's Day.
In a humble gesture, CM Maryam expressed her desire to see more women in leadership roles, stating, "I wish that another woman should become the chief minister after me." She congratulated the Women Development Department for their efforts in promoting gender equality and empowerment.
Maryam concluded her speech by acknowledging the diverse audience present at the ceremony and reaffirming her commitment to addressing issues affecting women in Punjab. She emphasized the significance of her role as the first female Chief Minister of Punjab, attributing it to the collective honor of every woman in Pakistan.
The speech resonated with attendees from various walks of life, who appreciated Nawaz's candid approach and her dedication to advancing women's rights in the province. As Punjab sets an example with a woman at its helm, Nawaz's words serve as a rallying cry for continued progress towards gender equality and empowerment in Pakistan.
