By APP
Washington : Dr. Begum Jan, the Pakistani recipient of US International Woman of Courage Award, has said appreciation of her work for women’s welfare is recognition for her people and the country.
“I take this award as recognition for my country so I want to say congratulations to Pakistan,” she said in an interview.
Begum Jan was among eight women from around the world who received the award from US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earlier this week, coinciding with International Women’s Day 2008.
Dr. Jan, who is chairperson of the Tribal Women Welfare Association provides healthcare training to women at various centers in the tribal areas. She is also a member of the Naitional Commission on the Status of Women. A reprentation says it has been given to the women of the area for the first time.
Begum Jan said the best way to resolve situation in the border areas is through dialogue and argued that fighting does not lead to long-term solution to any problems.
“I am daughter of tribal areas and I know that the people of tribal areas are hardworking and loving and if we address poverty and provide social services to people and bring them economic opportunities, we can overcome many problems,” stated Dr Jan.
Meanwhile, at the Pakistani embassy Ambassador Mahmud Ali Durrani lauded her commitment to ameliorating women’s lot at a meeting. Dr. Jan thanked the ambassador and spoke of her organization’s provision of health services for women in the remote areas.