Canadian Scholar Speaks at Pakistan Study Centre

The Head International Social development Department at the University of Calgary -Alberta Canada Dr. Amir Jamal delivered key note lecture at Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar. Faculty members and Ph.D scholars attended the seminar. Director Pakistan Study Centre Prof. Dr. Fakhr-ul-Islam presided over the seminar.

Hailing from Peshawar, Dr. Amir Jamal spoke on "Engaging men for Gender Justice and Girls Education" He took Pashtun Society as case study. During his presentation he highlighted the importance of male’s role in educating a Pashtun woman. He said the stereotyping of Pashtun women by westerner is totally wrong. These women are not weak but are strong and resilient. The only thing needed is to provide them is conducive environment. These are success stories that when they were engaged, they promoted education and gender justice.

 Dr. Amir identified certain, key actors in the process, NGOs being on the top of the list. He severely criticized their role. With all respect for their humanitarian assistance, they have committed a blunder by disconnecting religion from social norms. He said any change by excluding religion will not be effective in that society. Dr. Amir Jamal said it is critically important engage men in the process. He stressed upon the need that challenge should not be imposed from outside, rather it should be from within. Change from within is always sustainable, he concluded.