CGSS Organizes Webinar on “COVID-19 Chronicles: A Women Perspective”

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) organized a Webinar on “COVID-19 Chronicles: A Women Perspective” on Monday.

The aim of the Webinar was to analyze how COVID-19 is impacting women and to allow the respective authorities to respond effectively to their vulnerabilities.

The session was commenced with the opening remarks by the Director CGSS Ms. Mehreen Gul.

Ms. Mehreen Gul welcomed all the speakers and participants to the Webinar. She highlighted the significant role of women in our society and how women have continued to play a constructive role in nation-building.

The Chairperson Kyrgyz Association of Women in the Security Sector Ms. Kaana Aidarkul highlighted the situation of women in Kyrgyzstan during COVID-19.

Ms. Kaana Aidarkul stressed on the central role of women in combating the pandemic by mentioning the address of the Head of UN, António Guterres, “women’s leadership and contribution can be used as a central element in ensuring resilience and recovery”. She stated that women should be assigned the role of leaders with equal representation and equal decision-making authority.

The Director Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore Dr. Rafia Rafique stated that as the pandemic of COVID-19 continues to spread in Pakistan, it is necessary to recognize immediate and long term psychological needs of women.

Furthermore, Women are wedged at home and exposed to the abusers for long periods of time with limited options to access essential services. The clinical management and psycho-social support were harder to access during the lockdown for women already facing mental health challenges.

The First Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Ms. Kempirbayeva Dilyara stressed on the importance of discussing women issues during the pandemic. She stated that women on the one hand carry the cradle and on the other hand carries the world.

Ms. Kempirbayeva Dilyara also mentioned how the Kazakh government is taking different measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and assisting the people to cope with the pandemic.

The Lawyer in the Jurisdiction of England & Wales, Pakistan Ms. Faiza Sheikh stated that women make up more than half of the frontline workers whether it is education or health, women play a central role. A framework must be made to facilitate these women.

Ms. Faiza Sheikh highlighted the contribution of female healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, and paramedics who are serving tirelessly at this crucial time.

The Project manager “Chamomile” Azerbaijani Diaspora Women’s Network, Azerbaijan Ms. Nigar Javanshirzade highlighted ways to help women during COVID-19 lockdown. She asked family members to play an active role in managing household chores to reduce the workload of women.

Ms. Nigar Javanshirzade discussed how Azerbaijan is assisting its people in reducing the tax burden on entrepreneurs, giving financial assistance, and providing direct social support to them.

The Senior Correspondent at China Media Group in Beijing Ms. Wang Qianting stated that women from the service industry have suffered the most. In China, supportive policies have been introduced by the Government for people who have lost their jobs.

Moreover, the Central Government of China is working efficiently for the people who are facing economic challenges.

The Association of Business Women Uzbekistan Ms. Dilnoza Odilbekova discussed the impacts of COVID-19 on women in the business sector. She stated that how Uzbekistan has been helping women entrepreneurs to cope with economic problems being faced by women.

The Founder Beti, Media & Advocacy Expert, Pakistan Ms. Ramma Shahid stated that during COVID, a lot of women have lost their jobs especially those with smaller businesses. Women are having a hard time so our organization is providing moral and legal support to women who need assistance. In Pakistan, various organizations are working under the provincial and federal governments to cater to the needs of women across Pakistan.

The Webinar was attended by 50 participants from a cross-section of society and was moderated by the Research Assistant at CGSS Ms. Minahil Afridi.