The Pakistani Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, visited Effat University with the message of Women Empowerment. She praised the great efforts of Queen Effat and her vision of educating Saudi women. Today that vision has taken the shape of a marvelous university. She stressed on the viability of Saudi women interacting with their Pakistani counterparts to spread the message of peace and enlightenment. She further added that women should be educated as," it is the fundamental right of every woman to get access to knowledge and information".
Moreover, the importance of women could not be overlooked or negated because "they were not only homemakers and mothers but also policy makers, economists, educationists, lawyers, doctors and other important professionals" said Dr. Firdous. She emphasized that she was the representative of the women of Pakistan who constituted 52% of the population. Many of them were educated and held responsible positions in society. She cited the example of Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan.
She urged Muslim women to be proud of their history and religion and move forward towards truth and light. The Pakistani minister reiterated that she and the women of her country would like to extend solidarity between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in every possible way. She further spoke about cultural exchange programs between Effat and other Pakistani universities and proposed exchange festivals and exhibitions. Dr. Firdous was very glad to hear about so many Pakistani students studying at Effat University and hoped to see a greater number in the years to come.
Finally, she urged everyone to be become a conscientious member of society, strengthen each other through kindness and support and whole heartedly thanked Dr. Haifa Jamal Al Lail for giving her the opportunity to address her thoughts and ideas at Effat University.
Dr. Haifa Jamal Al Lail, The President of Effat University, thanked her profusely for her words of wisdom. She added that," in conforming to the Islamic identity
Effat university would like to take the best of the entire world", and would also welcome more student exchange programs. In her own unique way she said that Effat philosophy and the concept of progress was based on "evolution" and not "revolution". The fact that there remained a misconception about Saudi women should be rectified by the media and not by individuals alone was her perspective. She concluded her speech by saying that she was proud of her Effat Family who believed in" unity amongst diversity" and all worked together towards a common goal with love, co-operation and mutual respect. According to her, these were the factors for empowerment.
Anjana Mohsin, English Instructor, Effat University
© Press Release 2011
