JEDDAH: Muslim women from all countries should join hands to explore avenues for women empowerment and welfare, Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said here Monday. The minister was addressing the women's chapter of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). The minister appreciated the constructive role played by Saudi women. “It was encouraging to see that women in Saudi Arabia are engaged in economic activities and decision-making while observing Islamic tenets and values,” she said. Emphasizing the role of civil society for women empowerment, the minister said that NGOs and the civil society play key role in creating awareness and solving socio-economic problems. She said effective partnership between private and public sector was essential for expediting social welfare and developmental activities. She also emphasized the importance of pro-women legislation for promotion of women's causes and women empowerment. The minister underlined the need for joint efforts for women empowerment in Muslim countries under the aegis of the Organization of the Islamic Countries (OIC). Earlier Mrs. Fatin Bundugji, member of the women's chapter of JCCI, briefed the minister and her delegation about the organization's efforts in creating awareness and women empowerment in the Kingdom. She said that women in the Kingdom were facing several challenges and they are trying to overcome all of them with zeal and dedication. Saudi women, she said, were playing active role in all walks of life. “Still they had to go a long way to achieve the objectives,” she said and expressed her optimism about their success. Dr. Awan invited Mrs. Fatin, members of the (JCCI-Women) and the Vice President of the JCCI to visit Pakistan.
