M A I N   N E W S

On empowerment, Indian, Pak women see eye to eye
Tripti Nath
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 6
Pakistan's National Commission on the Status of Women and India's National Commission for Women have decided to work together for setting up an apex group to take up common issues concerning women.

The decision was taken at a meeting held here today between the visiting Pakistani women delegates and the National Commission for Women members. The Chairperson of the Pakistan National Commission on the Status of Women, Ms Arfa Sayyeda, was conspicuous by her absence. Members of the Commission said she was away to Philippines.

The delegation, which is on a four-day visit, comprises Suhela Asif, Director General of the Ministry of Women Development, Pakistan and Member Secretary of the Commission and members Shahida Haider, Simi Kamal and Parveen Shah.

NCW Chairperson Girija Vyas told mediapersons here today that the problems of women in South Asian countries were very similar and it would help to have an apex body of women organisations from different regions. ``It is a different thing to have legislations to empower women. It is equally important to look at legislations in different South Asian countries and to review from time to time the implementation of the legislations.''

Simi Kamal, member of the National Commission on the Status of Women, told mediapersons here that the two burning issues concerning South Asian women are that they are treated as second class citizens across the board and are are subjected to all kinds of violence. She said two separate Bills, the Domestic Violence Protection Bill and the Women's Protection Bill, which seek to amend the Hudood Ordinance to remove some of its controversial clauses are likely to be tabled in Parliament soon. The Hudood Ordinance was promulgated 27 years ago.

Kamal told TNS that while on the one hand Pakistan has women fighter pilots, on the other hand there are women who are opting for 'Burqa' and 'Hijab'. Women in Pakistan face violence at home, in the workplace and on the streets. She said 'Purdah' in Pakistan is a middle class concept and women in rural areas move about freely without any `Burqa' or `Hijab'.

She said they planned to meet officers of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Chairperson and members of the Delhi Commission for Women and some non- government organisations to see how they are dealing with the struggle of women.

Talking of the problems faced by women in Pakistan, Haider said Roman Catholic community in Pakistan does not approve divorce. As a result, women belonging to the Roman Catholic community have a tough time. There are many women organisations that provide support to women belonging to this community.

Drawing comparisons with the National Commission for Women here, the Pakistani delegate said their commission was set up in 2000 and has 20 members. These include two members from each province, four other members, two scholars, one minority representative and five ex officio members.