On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab, delivered a strong message about women’s rights, safety, and empowerment. She declared that the daughters of Punjab are her “red line” and promised that there would be no compromise on their dignity, protection, or respect.
In her special address, Maryam Nawaz said she considers herself the voice of every woman who has faced injustice or suppression. She emphasized that women in Pakistan should no longer be seen only as victims but must become decision-makers, leaders, and thinkers in society.
To mark the day, the Punjab government introduced several new initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women across the province.
One of the major steps announced was the launch of the “Rehmat Card”, a welfare program designed to support widowed women. Through this card, eligible women will receive financial and social assistance to help them manage their daily needs and improve their living conditions.
Another initiative was the launch of “Women First” magazine, publisheRehmat Cardd by the Women Development Department Punjab. The magazine highlights the government’s women empowerment projects carried out during the past two years. It also shares inspiring stories and achievements of women across Punjab.
The government also revived the Punjab Gender Parity Report, a document used to monitor women’s progress and participation in different sectors. Officials say the report will help policymakers better understand the challenges women face and design policies to increase their role in education, employment, and public life.
Safety for women was another major focus of the Chief Minister’s message. She inaugurated a new safety application called “Never Again”, an international women’s safety app developed to improve protection for women. The app is expected to help women report emergencies and access assistance quickly.
Maryam Nawaz also announced an increase in job opportunities for women in the public sector. The quota for women in the Punjab Public Service Commission has been raised from 10 percent to 15 percent. This step is intended to increase female representation in government jobs and encourage more women to pursue professional careers.
Special attention was also given to women living in rural areas. The Punjab government plans to provide six-month online training programs in fields such as IT, freelancing, web development, and digital marketing. Women who complete the courses will receive certificates, along with job opportunities and professional connections.
To support this initiative, successful trainees will also be provided free desktop computers and Wi-Fi devices, enabling them to continue working online from their homes.
Maryam Nawaz said these programs aim to transform women from “statistics” into powerful contributors to society. She stressed that empowering women is essential for the progress and prosperity of the province.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming that the Punjab government will continue working to ensure safety, equal opportunities, and a stronger role for women in every field.