ISLAMABAD: Equality for women is progress for all and it is essential to change the general perception of society about women being subordinate to men, said speakers while addressing a literary session ‘Feminist Voice’ held at the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) on Saturday. Renowned writer and poet Kishwar Naheed said ever since the creation of Pakistan, women had played a big part in the development of society. It is essential for Pakistan to give equal job opportunities to women to ensure a speedy development of the country, she added. “Poetry has an immediate and positive impact on minds and women are playing an active role in the development of society which can no longer be forgotten or ignored,” Kishwar said. She recited a poem and shared a series of anecdotes to illustrate the need to compromise and be tactful and to pander the egos of those oppressing women in order to create space for women. Speaking on the occasion, columnist and poet Haris Khalique said women in Pakistan represent change in the socio-political dynamics of the country. “No nation can rise to the heights of glory until your women are side by side with you,” he quoted the saying of the father of the nation. “It is time the state take all steps to ensure gender parity and women empowerment.” Feminist activist Farzana Bari said that women in Pakistan were victims of violent extremism by militants, which manifested in explosions, targeted killings, dress codes, restrictions to mobility and so on. “Radicalisation captures the mindsets of those who deny women their right to education, right to vote and right to health. Radicalisation has now spread to urban centres, where examples of violation of the rights of women are common,” she said. She emphasised the need to give women access to education to reduce their dependence on men, and equal participation in all walks of life, including politics. Published in Daily Times, April 1st 2018.