Empowering Women for Sustainable Development: Insights from UHE International Conference on SDGs Goal 5 and 8

3-Day International Conference on Sustainable Development Kicks Off at Home Economics University

Lahore (Tuesday, March 19, 2024): The inaugural session of a three-day international conference hosted by the Department of Sociology at Home Economics University commenced with notable dignitaries in attendance.

Among them were Chairperson of Punjab Higher Education Commission, Dr. Shahid Munir; Vice Chancellor Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi; former Vice Chancellor Dr. Kanwal Ameen; Iran’s Cultural Attaché Ronas Jafar; Consul General of Sri Lanka, Yasin Joya; Analyst Salman Abid; Secretary of Women Development, Sumaira Samad; Professor Humira Iqtidar from King’s College London and Dr. Tayyaba Sohail. A diverse array of students also participated in the conference.

The conference Secretary, Dr. Iram Rubab shares that participation from academicians hailing from the US, Britain, Canada, Germany, Iran, and Pakistan, will be the presentating of over 90 research papers.

Addressing the conference, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development goals established in 2015, stressing the importance of incorporating the country’s 120 million women into the mainstream of national development.

He highlighted the significance of gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in propelling Pakistan towards progress, citing measures such as quota allocations in local governments and implementing laws against harassment.

Prof. Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi underscored the vital role of policy-making in empowering women for sustainable development. She advocated for equal opportunities for women across all sectors to establish gender parity while extending greetings for the beginning of Iran’s new year.

Sumaira Samad outlined government initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, including establishing Women Development Centers in eighteen universities, awareness campaigns, and training programs. Measures to combat violence against women and the publication of the Punjab Gender Parity Report were also highlighted.

Iran’s Cultural Attaché, Ronas Jafar, emphasized the pivotal role of women in societal progress, noting the importance of their involvement in leadership roles. He attributed challenges to women’s advancement not to Islamic laws, but to societal constructs enforced by men, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society.

The conference aims to foster dialogue and collaboration towards sustainable development, recognizing the indispensable contribution of women in shaping a prosperous future for Pakistan and beyond.