LAHORE - Gender equality is considered to be the vital concern in the process of development. Therefore, investment in womens empowerment is the key element in improving the economic, political and social conditions in Pakistan. These views were expressed by the participants at the inaugural session of spring festival to mark the women year 2011 at Lahore College for women University Lahore (LCWU) on Thursday. This spring festival was organised to mark the aim of Women year 2011 for the empowerment of women in Pakistan. Stalls by students of LCWU, GRAP and various local and multinational companies were arranged where students participated in various competitions including musical chair, national songs, spoon and lemon race, Mehndi, poetry, jokes, face painting, and rope leading competition. LCWU organised a gala in collaboration with Gender Reform Action Plan (GRAP) of Government of Punjab. This spring gala was not only to celebrate the season of colours and festivity rather to bring forward the experiences, insight and knowledge of both men and women is needed for 'development to be more effective and sustainable. Dr Farhat Saleemi, VC of LCWU, said in her welcome address that women empowerment must not be limited to control over reproduction or financial independence only, rather it is a combination of literacy, employment and health.