A Seminar on “Celebrating Contributions of Women Parliamentarians” was held at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in collaboration with the Senate of Pakistan to mark International Women’s Day 2019.The seminar was inaugurated by the Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, Qasim Khan Suri. In his inaugural speech, he encouraged women to actively participate in every field of life and mentioned that there were several women in the parliament who had been elected on general seats, which provided a testimony that women were no less capable than men.Leader of the House in the Senate of Pakistan, Senator Shibli Faraz, while addressing the participants emphasized that women parliamentarians should be empowered by creating awareness for bridging the gender gap.Earlier, Senator Sana Jamali in her welcome address gave an overview of the productive role that women had played during the Pakistan Movement. She lauded the efforts made by the Parliamentarians in introducing reforms in the Elections Act to enhance women representation. Executive Director, PIPS, Zafrullah Khan, also spoke on the occasion and lauded the role of Senate in Women Empowerment where a total of 11 committees were headed by Women Senators.The keynote speakers from the parliament included Senator Sitara Ayaz, Senator Kulsoom Parveen, Members of the National Assembly Dr. Shazia Sobia, Abida Muhammad Azeem, Munawara Baloch, Shams-un-Nisa and Saima Nadeem. They shared their political journey and expressed their hope and firm resolve to actively contribute towards the political, social and economic sphere of Pakistan. They further expressed their hope that Pakistan would mature into an inclusive and pluralistic society.The seminar was attended by members of the Senate, National Assembly of Pakistan, women officers, students, civil society representatives and foreign dignitaries. The audience took keen interest in the seminar and lauded the contribution of women law makers in the political history of Pakistan.The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Senator Seemi Ezdi who appreciated the contribution of women in strengthening the democracy and their role in taking the country forward.