LAHORE (Thursday, March 05): Punjab University Institute of Social & Cultural Studies (Department of Gender Studies) in collaboration with the Directorate of Women Development, Punjab has organized a seminar: Human Rights …… Women Rights”. The Secretary Social Welfare, Women Development & Bait–ul-Mal, Mr. Auyub Kazi was the Chief Guest and Dean, Faculty of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Muhgees ud-din Sheikh was the Guest of Honour. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Hafeez, Director Institute of Social & Cultural Studies welcoming the guests retireated the need to develop indigenous strategies for the development of women in the country. Prof Dr. Mughees ud din, emphasized the need to bridge the communication gap among different stakeholders and remove misconceptions about the roles of men and women in the society. Prof. Dr. Sammar Fatima, talked about the roles ascribed to men and women in the society in Islam and highlighted the rights given to women in Islam. Prof. Dr. Abual Hassan Najmi said that women in Pakistan doesn't lack in rights, rather they are given additional rights as compared to men by the constitution. However, that there is a need to look into the social, cultural and political process causing hurdles in the implementation of these rights. Ms. Farah Pervaiz Salah laid stress on changing gender norms and attitudes of people for promoting women empowerment in the society. The Secretary Social Welfare, Women Development & Bait-ul-Mal appreciated the efforts by the Department of Gender Studies in organizing the seminar. He said my message is “Respect Women”, as to be gender sensitize is foremost for women empowerment in the country. Ms. Ra'ana Malik at the end extended vote of thanks to all the participants in supporting the cause of women's emancipation.