Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has thrown her weight behind the annual Aurat March, saying it should take place and that she has always been an advocate for women's rights.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, the minister stressed that March 8 was a significant day, adding that it was even more special because Maryam Nawaz had become the first woman chief minister of Punjab. She expressed anticipation for Maryam's forthcoming announcements regarding steps to be taken for the empowerment and well-being of women in Punjab.
One of the key initiatives mentioned by Bukhari was the inauguration of a safety app for women by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, aimed at enhancing security and addressing concerns related to women's safety.
Addressing societal attitudes towards gender roles, Bukhari emphasized the importance of educating men about the integral role that women play within households. She advocated for mutual respect and understanding between genders, stating that men should not feel threatened but rather recognize the significance of women's contributions.
"I will not warn but explain to men kindly that women are an integral part of the household," she stated and stressed that women should be respected.
Furthermore, Azma Bukhari expressed her support for initiatives such as the women's march, highlighting her longstanding advocacy for women's rights. She reiterated the opposition's role in protesting, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling their constitutional duties while urging for constructive engagement in the political process.