ISLAMABAD: International Islamic University (IIU) President Prof Dr Ahmed Yousaf al-Draiweesh on Wednesday said Islam provided equal rights and opportunities to women so that they could excel and contribute to the development of the society.
He was speaking at a seminar titled ‘Women Entrepreneurship in Pakistan; Opportunity and Challenges’ organised by the IIU Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS).
He said there was no disparity based on gender in Islam and women had equal rights to groom themselves in all walks of life, following the core tenets of Islam.
Dr Draiweesh said women had an important role in the society and they should play their part in its development.
“Islam encourages women to step forward and help uplift their family, society, country and the Ummah,” he said.
He said Islam did not allow anybody to discriminate against women. He cited the example of Hazrat Khadija (RA) – who was called the first Muslim businesswomen – and her endeavours in business.
Dr Draiweesh said women had been given equal social, political and economic rights with the expectation that they would play a positive role under the umbrella of Islamic teachings. He urged young entrepreneurs to utilise their capabilities as the future of the Ummah depended upon them.
He hoped the seminar would prove vital for their capacity-building and enhance their intellectual level to understand the practical life experiences from scholars.
IIU Vice President (Academics) Dr Mumtaz appreciated the role of women, especially young entrepreneurs, for their active role in the society.
He elaborated the concept of entrepreneurship by giving examples from real life and said the future of this generation depended upon women and they should play a key part in planning all new avenues.
Guest speakers including Falcon Engineering Group CEO Tahir Chaudhry, Ministry of Information Technology ICT R&D Fund GM (Monitoring) Waseem Hashmi, British Council Civil Society Director Shazia Khawar, Sobia Amir Salon owner Sobia Amir, Xyra’s Elements Primary Photographer Zaira Rizvi delivered lectures.
FMS Dean Dr Bashir Khan, Director Female Campus Dr Zaitoon Begum, FMS Chairperson (Female) Dr Tasneem Fatima and Management HoD Dr Saima Naseer also spoke.
