ISLAMABAD: A three-day international conference for female lawmakers kicked off today in the federal capital.

The conference, aimed at emphasising the role of women in strengthening democracy, will be attended by female representatives from 12 countries.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, opened the gathering on ‘The Role of Women Parliamentarians in Strengthening Democracy and Social Justice’.

The event has been organised by the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus in the country.

Addressing the conference, Maryam said it is high time to work for women’s empowerment for the betterment and development of societies.

“Pakistan today is full of extraordinary individuals who have done great jobs in different fields such as education and served the country,” she said, “Pakistani women have equal opportunities in its democratic set-up.”

Women lawmakers from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, Australia, Romania, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Maldives, Indonesia and Nepal are attending the event, along with those from Pakistan.

The conference will continue during the next three days in the federal capital.