June 01, 2021
Second General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO)

ISLAMABAD: Women’s Parliamentary Caucus led two sessions at Second General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization. WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ROLES: LEADING THE AGENDA OF REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY and IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WOMEN - AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS BY REGIONAL PARLIAMENTS

Women parliamentarians from several political parties as well as representatives from the government, media fraternity and civil society also participated in the event. The event was jointly arranged by the National Assembly and Federal Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC).

Speaker National Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaiser graced the event. Secretary WPC Ms. Munaza Hassan gave the welcome remarks at the start of the event. Women Parliamentarians including Romina Khurshid Alam, Andleeb Abbas, Zartaj Gul, Shazia Marri and Naureen Ibrahim participated in respective sessions. International speakers, H.E. Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker Milli Majlis Republic of Azerbaijan and H.E. Mr. Mustafa Sentop, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, Republic of Turkey addressed the event that was attended by parliamentarians, representatives of the government, women Achievers ,civil society and media, both virtually and in-person at the event.

While giving welcome remarks, Secretary Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Munaza Hassan said: “ Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization has enabled us to create understanding and build working relationships for our mutual benefits at the regional level. Our cooperation on ideas and best practices signifies harmony, tolerance and respect for diversity. Pakistan is sincerely committed to the Charter of ECO, and believes that durable peace and progress in the region are in interest of all. We believe that parliamentarians have a unique opportunity and constitutional responsibility to play a significant role in promoting peoples’ voices and safeguarding their interests. We strongly believe that women at the decision-making table are a pre-requisite for lasting peace and stability in our region. In this regard, I pay respect to Madam Speaker Ms. Sahiba Gafarova for being a symbol of strength for women in her country and the entire region. It is because of strong women like you who break down walls and defy stereotypes, paving the path for women to follow”

Ruling party’s member, MNA Andleeb Abbas on the occasion, stated that despite many   hardships, with their extraordinary power, their intellect, entrepreneurial insight, social media savvy, and fearless attitudes, women are leading the arena of thought leadership. The world is becoming more and more integrated. What started with greater trade openness is translating into growing global economic integration and interdependence, as transnational movement of people and capital accelerate and information become even more accessible. Technological developments are rapidly changing the way people learn, work and communicate.

While addressing to the first session, Ms.Shazia Marri said “Parliamentary democracies are vanguards of rights of the oppressed. And no democracy can work without meaningful participation of women. Women parliamentarians of Pakistan have been at the forefront