‘Investing in girls’ future is strengthening progressive societies’

Nations investing in building a future for girls are not just gaining pride, but also strengthening the foundation of peaceful, coherent and progressive societies, said Pakistan People Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday.

In a statement issued on the eve of International Day of the Girl Child, observed worldwide on October 11 (today), Bilawal also lauded such nations for "inspiring [their] less fortunate counterparts across the world."

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Narrowing his focus to Pakistani girls, he said they had the likes of Fatima Jinnah and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto as role models, who led the nation and bravely fought against "the worst military dictators" of their times.

"Every Pakistani girl has the potential to become [the next] Fatima Jinnah and Benazir Bhutto, if they are provided [the right] environment, education and [other] facilities," he remarked.

Bilawal also gave the example of Malala Yousufzai, who, he said, "challenged the obstacles and threats in dark ages, succeeded in acquiring higher education and pursued her dreams."

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He stressed the need to focus on addressing challenges faced by girls, working for their empowerment and protection of their rights and providing them opportunities equal to those of their male counterparts in every field of life.

The PPP leader said his party was committed to supporting the provision of education, healthcare and other facilities to girls, and remained the torch-bearer of gender equality. To back his statement, he said the PPP had to its credit the establishment of a cadet college for girls, women police stations and the First Women Bank, as well as the allotment of agricultural land to peasant women.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11th, 2020.