KARACHI: Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce and Cooperative Department Jam Ikramullah Dharejo has said that policies are needed to be formulated at a high forum to establish gender equality and empower women especially rural women. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto established the First Women Bank and Women Police Station to empower women. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is also pursuing the policies of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a function organized by the Research and Development Foundation on the occasion of International Banking Day at a local hotel here today. Ashfaq Soomro, Shabnam Baloch, Dr. Sehar Gul and others also addressed the function. Representatives of State Bank of Pakistan and other departments also attended the function. The purpose of the event was to encourage rural women to start small businesses.

Provincial Minister Jam Ikramullah Dharejo further said that this type of program encourages women. Rural women need to be given opportunities to move forward and there is a need to raise awareness among these rural women. He said that women involved in agriculture should be brought forward. The Sindh government has launched several schemes to promote rural women. Jam Ikramullah Dharejo said that rural women should be provided counseling for opening bank accounts. The PPP is a firm believer in gender equality. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto believed in empowering women.

He said that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is carrying forward the mission of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. It is our responsibility to empower rural women. Jam Ikramullah Dharejo said that there is also a need to provide business awareness to rural women. Women are an integral part of society. Real development is not possible without their participation. Simplify the procedure for opening bank accounts. Jam Ikramullah Dharejo said that especially women should be allowed to open accounts with dignity. Without the support of the banking sector, women will not be able to make real progress.