Islamabad: Women representative organisations and rights groups in major cities held rallies on the eve of the International Women’s Day, Tuesday and expressed solidarity with all women of Pakistan, Muslim and non-Muslim, the working and the non-working, and the privileged and the less-privileged.
They called for recognition of their contribution and acceptance both at the government and the societal level in the male-dominated society.
Marches across major cities of Pakistan, commonly referred to as Aurat March, began early as the participants came from far flung areas to take part in the activity and raised their voice to end systemic discrimination against them.
In Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar and Quetta women held different events, addressed press conferences and staged rallies and joined hands for equal rights.
Support for families
Prime Minister Imran Khan while addressing the female students at Fatima Jinnah Women University unequivocally extended his support and acknowledged the role of women in building a progressive, peaceful and prosperous society. “All women have equal rights and we will enforce them,” said the prime minister.
The premier said the government was encouraging parents through financial assistance so they could send their daughters to schools. “Our country cannot progress unless the women are educated,” he added.
Day to honour women
Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari said it was a day to honour women from all walks of life, adding it was also the right of every woman to demand rights and work.
While addressing an event in connection with Women’s Day she reiterated her government’s commitment to safeguarding the fundamental rights of women.
On the official twitter account of the government of Pakistan too, Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s famous quote was posted which said, “No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you.”
Gender Policy Framework launched
The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, on Tuesday launched the National Gender Policy Framework to provide a structured mechanism with defined objectives for “improving the lives of women and providing them with equal opportunities to excel in a professional sphere.”
The framework has been put in place in pursuance of a strong commitment to ensuring equal rights for women across the country.
Speaking at the launch Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said the new framework was essential to provide equal opportunities to all segments of society, particularly women, to prosper and progress. “This framework converts that honest intent into an integrated actionable programme.”
A moment to reflect
Pakistan-based French activist Valerie Khan in her message said, “International women’s day is a moment of reflection for many, and realisation for others about the need to improve our society, make it fairer, more inclusive, and healthier. In my view it is a periodic reminder that much more is required until all women are treated with dignity & respect as equal partners.”
Varsha Arora, Islamabad-based media student, also termed it an important day adding women’s recognition and acceptance in society should not be restricted to one day, rather it should continue throughout the year. Women are playing an important role at family and societal level and in the light of their tremendous contribution they should be given more opportunities and respect. No doubt, a society can’t flourish until its women are given equal opportunities, she said.
