Poverty-alleviation: TiE advocates equal opportunities for women

The Indus Entrepreneur (TiE) Lahore President Salim Ghauri said that the poverty alleviation efforts can only be successful in Pakistan by providing equal opportunity to work to women in Pakistan. He said an inactive role of the 50 percent of the country's population in building economy is one major reason behind the rising poverty levels in Pakistan. Further, he said that it is fanning intolerance in the society at large.

Salim said that it is proven worldwide that the recent past economic development of the developed countries was mainly due to brilliant role of women in their respective economies. President TiE said women are the best managers and financial assistance at the micro level besides building up their working capacities can bring revolution in the cottage industry. He appreciated the role of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in this regard and said that only strengthening the entrepreneurship among women particularly in the rural folk is the way forward for growth in Pakistan economy.

Salim lamented that both the economy and the population in Pakistan are growing at an equal pace of 3 percent per annum, which leaves very little room in creating new jobs. Therefore, he stressed on promoting small businesses amongst women to control poverty.

He said the latest surveys show that women in Asia are making better progress in their careers than those in more Western economies; therefore, Pakistan should also benefit from the trend and let the women to grow.

President TiE said the working opportunity for women would provide extra labour to the market. Already, he said, the working populations in many countries have started beginning to age and shrink and it is right time to strategise the labour force for future. He said the employers would be able to draw on a much larger and more diverse pool of talent.-PR

Source: The business recorder