NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Calls for Empowerment, Equal Rights and Economic Opportunities for Rural Women

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of rural women to Pakistan’s agricultural development, food security and socio-economic progress, stressing that their empowerment is essential for sustainable development and national prosperity.  In his message ahead of the International Day of Rural Women, observed annually on October 15, the Speaker highlighted the vital role rural women play in agriculture, livestock management, household economies and community development. He emphasized that their contributions are fundamental to sustaining rural livelihoods and strengthening Pakistan’s economy. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq noted that rural women continue to face significant challenges, particularly in accessing quality education, healthcare, financial resources and sustainable economic opportunities. He stressed that addressing these barriers was imperative to ensuring inclusive growth, social justice and equitable national development. The Speaker called for concerted efforts to improve rural women’s access to education, healthcare facilities, vocational training, financial services and modern agricultural technologies. He also underscored the importance of safeguarding their legal, property and inheritance rights, while ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes at the community and national levels.  Highlighting Parliament’s role in advancing gender equality, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that effective legislation and robust parliamentary oversight were essential to protecting women’s rights and creating an enabling environment for their social and economic empowerment. He urged relevant government institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders to work together to improve the socio-economic conditions of rural women and ensure that they receive the recognition, resources and opportunities they deserve. The Speaker emphasized that recognizing rural women’s contributions and investing in their potential were crucial to poverty alleviation, agricultural growth and the development of a prosperous Pakistan. He maintained that empowering rural women would not only improve their quality of life but also strengthen rural communities, enhance food security and contribute to the country’s long-term sustainable development.