Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced to establish Pakistan Education Endowment Fund to enable the high achievers to continue their studies regardless of financial constraints. Addressing an event in connection with International Women Day in Islamabad today, he emphasized the importance to equip boys and girls with the modern education and skills in order to take forward the country on the path of development. He assured that all resources will be utilized in collaboration with the provinces in this regard. The Prime Minister said women constitute forty-eight point three percent of the population and providing them with resources in terms of education and training will help exploit their full potential. He said our women do not lag behind others and they are contributing significantly in different walks of life. The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of a monitoring cell at the PM Office to check violence against women. He said a complete mechanism will be put in place at the earli est to ensure the dignity and honour of women. Shehbaz Sharif said the government is firmly committed to support the youth in provision of modern education and gadgets. He said education will be provided to the youth in various fields especially information technology and vocational training. Shehbaz Sharif said the government will ensure that the stature given by our religion Islam to women is fully adhered to. The Prime Minister also recalled the steps taken during his stint as the Chief Minister Punjab for the empowerment of women. Speaking on the occasion, PML-N Leader Shaza Fatima said that government will ensure at least thirty-three percent participation of women in public sector and it will be mandatory to include one woman at least in all selection committees. She said that women will also enjoy three-year relaxation in all jobs and establishment of Day care centers in all public offices will also be ensured. Shaza Fatima said only fifty percent of women have mobile phone so government is stri ving to end the Gender Digital Divide. On the directives of the Prime Minister, she said private sector will be encouraged to provide women boarding and transportation facilities under the voucher scheme. She revealed that working women endowment fund will be established with five hundred million rupees to facilitate institutions to make Day Care centers. The PML-N leader said that government is looking for to bring amendments in the clause in order to extend the Maternity and Paternity leave in case of the premature birth or any mishaps. In order to ensure the financial inclusion of women, she said that SMEDA is being directed to facilitate the women in the process of establishing their own businesses. In order to sensitize the society related to the women issues, Shaza Fatima said the content related to the women sensitive issues will be introduced in the academic curriculum. She said that a gender mainstreaming parliamentary party will be established to review the performance of different Ministries related to gender parity gap. Source: Radio Pakistan