AIOU develops designs to promote outdoor physical activities for girls

ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has developed designs through a research study in order to expand out-door open spaces in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for physical activities of adolescent schools’ girls.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Pakistan Institute for Environment-Development Acton Research (PIEDAR) and Pakistan Strategy support programme of the Planning Commission, funded by USAID.
The research-findings were presented at a seminar held here at the AIOU main campus that was presided over by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui.
The proposed design suggests ways and means to improve the safety, security, accessibility, comfort and provision of the facilities in specific parks and playgrounds of schools and colleges in the twin-cities.
Chairperson department of Home and Health Sciences Prof. Dr.
Nomana Anjum while giving detailed presentation on the research-
based study said that they have consulted the local town planners,
education and health specialists for practical and cost-effective
measures to improve the access of adolescent girls to outdoor
physical activities which are must for their healthy growth.
The researchers also introduced gender-sensitivity training
courses for boys and girls which could be conducted in schools and
colleges in collaboration with the civil society organizations.
Dr. Shahid Siddiqui said the University was encouraging and
motivating the academicians to focus on linking their research-study
with overall development of the society.
“We must find out the solution of the socio-economic problems
particularly those of local nature through scientific research
study,” he asserted.
He emphasized that the educational institutions and the local
governments should fulfill their responsibilities of providing
reasonable open spaces in their surrounding areas for physical
activities of the girls and boys.
“We must take care of gender equality in all sphere of life
while doing future planning”, he added. He hoped that the local
governments will revisit their Urban development plan for
availability of proper open places for the female students.
He announced that a health club will soon be set up at the
University’s main campus for physical exercise and recreation of
their employees.
The seminar was also addressed by Dr. Sohail Malik,
representative of Strategic support programme who highlighted the
benefits of the outdoor spaces for adolescent girls, hoping that the
research-findings will help to achieve stipulated targets
establishing safe and secure outdoor open places for the youth.
Syed Ayub Qutub Principal Investigator of the Research-study
was also present on the occasion.