A S M JAVID
COLOMBO – Women are an important and integral part of our society. Without their active participation, a society cannot achieve its development goals, Major General Umar Farook Burki, High Commissioner for Pakistan said here on Tuesday, May 31.
The envoy was speaking at a charity event organized by the Young Women’s Muslim Association, YWMA, headed by Fawaza Thaha at the auditorium of the All-Ceylon YMMA Conference in Colombo.
The others who were present included Kalsoom Qaiser Press Attache, high commission of Pakistan in Colombo and special invitees included Shahid M Rizmi National President of All Ceylon YMMA Conference, and Chief Editor, Colombo Times Mohammed Raooldeen.
A total of 14 sewing machines donated by the Pakistan High Commission were distributed among single mothers and widows. Marliya Sideek, project chairman delivered the welcome address at the event.
Speaking further, High Commissioner Burki said : “ Efforts must be made to uplift the living standards of the women and enable them to do their part in making the society a better place for our future generations. Once Napoleon said “Give me good mothers I will give you good nation”
“ Investing in women now is actually our investment in our future economic progress. Empowering women sets a direct path towards poverty eradication and economic growth of the whole society. Women make enormous contributions to the economy; whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home.”
Speaking about Lanka-Pakistan relations, Burki said that the relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are standing firmly on the pillars of mutual trust, respect and desire to promote friendship. He pointed out that this relationship is independent of any compulsions.
In her brief introductory remarks, Zahra Thaha,compere said: “The YWMA Sri Lanka has never failed in reaching the needy at all time when the need arises, we have spread ourselves in reaching vulnerable communities from urban to rural areas in supporting for water and sanitation, livelihood programs, fisheries and goat farming, housing projects, supporting Masjid and Madrasaa,and also reaching beyond cultures and religions.
