Islamabad: 11 May: Two days international conference on ”Representation of Women in Media & Literature” started at the Quaid e Azam Auditorium of International Islamic University Islamabad here on Thursday. Renowned Professor Dr. Bob Jenson from the University of Texas, USA presents his Opening remarks about the topic via Skype. The conference is organized by the Critical Thinking Forum (CTF) IIUI in collaboration with Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) and Department of English, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi. Dr. Samina Amin Qadir, Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, whereas Dr. Zaitoon Begum, Director female campus, IIUI, Dr. Munazza Yaqoob, Head Department of English IIUI and a large number of students attended the first day of the conference.
Dr. Bob Jenson said that most men considered feminism as threat to them but in fact feminism is gift to men. He said that during my 25 years work on feminism and women it is observed that man is exploiting women in every society. He has suggested that every society should ensure easy access for the women to the media & literature. Dr. Bob lauded the efforts of gender justice in the societies. He also highlighted the periodical feminism and considered that gender injustice is threatening challenge to naturalize hierarchy.
Dr. Samina Qadir said that media reflect culture of the society and women is an integral part of our society. She was on the view that both media & literature contribute more to the development of the society. She said that there is need to change the current scenario and to empower women in decision making. On the contribution of women to society, Dr. Samina said that women contribution as mother, daughter, wife and sister is so vital to all the societies of the world. She added that there is need to look beyond traditional values to give women extensive access to media to highlight gender values. She further added that women should offer more opportunities to lead and work to contribute to the society. Dr Samina said that most literature shows women confined to their limited status & position which should be improved with the help of media.
Earlier, Dr. Zaitoon Begum welcomed the participants to the conference and said that women rights are indispensable for the development of society. She said that Islam is the most modern religion for all times and could not be linked out of modernization.
Various research papers were presented on the topic during the first day of the conference by Dr. Munazza Yaqoob, Sofia Hussain, Katrina Hussain, Susie Abdou, Jennifer Lee, Maria Kari, Junaid Ahmad, Dr. Humaira Ahmad and Farida Hafeez.
The second day of this conference will be at the Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi tomorrow.
More information is being mentioned on www.iiu.edu.pk