The glass ceiling

According to media reports, Nawaz Sharif, in his meeting with the UN Secretary-General, talked about the long-term and viable planning aimed at empowering women in the country. He enumerated various measures like women’s greater participation in the private and public sectors. He was quoted as telling the UN chief that the government will also build institutions that will work towards the prosperity of women.
Our prime minister seems to be oblivious of the condition of women in the country. Harassment, violence and social tensions hinder women from seeking employment. In conditions when the unemployment rate is already very high and investment conditions are tough owing to the war against terrorism, the chances of women getting employment get slim. Our PM should know that the metro-bus service and Nandipur Power Project have nothing to do with women’s empowerment. Moreover, his talk of high literacy among women in the country misses one point: they are excelling on their own.
Rehana Rafique
Risalpur