Senator Krishna Kumari calls for comprehensive strategy to empower women

HYDERABAD, Mar 12 (APP): Senator Krishna Kumari on Thursday emphasized that women associated with the agriculture sector play a vital role in ensuring the country’s development and food security despite facing numerous challenges, and called for a comprehensive strategy for their welfare and prosperity.

According to the SAU spokesperson, she expressed this while addressing a ceremony organized by the Center for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) Office at Sindh Agriculture University in connection with International Women’s Day.

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Kumari said that women working in the agricultural sector also suffer harmful health effects due to exposure to toxic pesticides. She added that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had initiated several programs to empower women, and continuing her mission, the Government of Sindh had launched large-scale initiatives to make women self-reliant. These include programs for women’s education, health, skills training, the Income Support Program, the Pink Bus Service and free Pink Scooty facilities. She emphasized that all stakeholders must work together to develop a comprehensive strategy for the welfare of women.

On this occasion, the Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal said that women play a key role in the development of society. He noted that women work alongside men in agriculture and livestock sectors, but unfortunately receive half the wages compared to men, which was a violation of their rights.

He added that SAU was giving greater importance to women in admissions and employment opportunities, and more seats have been allocated for female students in scholarship opportunities so that they do not face financial difficulties in pursuing their education.

Head of the Center for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) Tandojam Office Haibatullah Asad said that most of the work from cotton cultivation to picking is carried out by women workers, and this event is organized by CABI Science to pay tribute to these hardworking women.

Deputy Director of Agricultural Research Sanaullah Solangi and other speakers also addressed the gathering. During the panel discussion, Kausar Mukhtiar, In-charge of the Women Protection Cell Mirpurkhas, Advocate Nusrat Miyano, Prof. Dr. Tahseen Fatima Miyano and Dr. Shabana Memon from Sindh Agriculture University discussed the role of women in society, the challenges they face and possible solutions.