Women have to empower themselves as the empowerment is generated from within. There is no other option for women but to stand against subjugation, societal taboos, customary practices and all sorts of discrimination. They need to dream big and to play their role in building a progressive and prosperous society.  

These were the views of the speakers at a special seminar on “Recognizing Struggle of Women Leadership”, organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Thursday to mark International Women’s Day.

Senator Sherry Rehman from Pakistan People’s Party said the women have been on the forefront of democratic struggle in Pakistan’s political history. “We have seen the struggle of Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhuttoo and Asma Jahangir, who were the icon of resistance, peace and have been the champions of democracy,” she added. Though our destination is far away but we shouldn’t stop here and keep fighting and continue struggle for just and rights.

“We are proud to take Pakistan’s first Hindu-Dalit girl ‘Krishna Kumari’ from a bonded laborer to a Senator in the upper house of the parliament, which shows the sign of a progressive change in our society,” said Sherry Rehman, adding that one woman standing-up against the prejudice can brought significant change in the society. Many women rights bills passed in the recent past owed to courageous women parliamentarians. It is great news that Pakistan’s Senate has passed a bill to protect the rights of transgender. The bill was tabled by the women parliamentarians.  

Senator Sassui Palijo from Pakistan People’s Party said our policies need to be more gender sensitized. “Strengthening human justice system is need of the hour. it is contingent upon the legislatures to pass legislations and fight for effective implementation. She regretted that we talk more of wars and power politics instead of giving a serious thought to growing poverty, hunger, unemployment and violations of fundamental human rights, especially for women.  

Renowned poet, Kishwar Naheed said in old times women used to run into rooms, not for fear, but for hiding themselves to ensure veil (Parda). She said now the time as well as the world has changed and hijab (veil) has become fashion. “The women have started knowing about their rights over the period of time,” she said, adding that the need is to change the mindset of men towards women’s role in the society. Kishwar also recited her poem which highlighted women struggle and achievements.

Speaking earlier, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, wife of Hurriyat Leader Yasin Malik and Chairperson Peace and Culture Organization on the occasion said that almost every home and woman in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) was subject to either physical or sexual violence.  “Now women have taken the leadership role in Kashmir, where the men (husbands, sons, fathers or brothers) were mostly held as prisoners or paralyzed by the Indian Army’s brutal torture,” she said. Despite continued oppression and curfew, Kashmiri women were continuing their peaceful freedom struggle and even the pellet bullets could not kill their voices.  

“Courageous Kashmiri women such as Asiya Andrabi and Sofi Fehmeeda were truly the champions of peaceful freedom struggle in IOK”, said Mushaal, adding that women participation in peace initiatives was imperative, as any peace initiates would be meaningless without Kashmiri women’s participation.

Earlier, Dr. Humaira Ishfaq, Assistant Professor, Islamic International University said every day should be celebrated as women’s day. “There is a dire need to promote equality in our society and we should move forward shoulder to shoulder”, she said. 

 

Mome Saleem from Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS) opined that Women Day was about the gender equality. “Women can perform equally and can achieve equal to men”, she said adding that this women day was commemorated to mark women struggle and their achievements in different walks of life.

Uzman Harron, Director Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) Unit SDPI while giving note of thanks said that we are living in a patriarchal society, where women voice was suppressed. “Women struggle starts from its birth”, she said, adding that we should continue our struggle every day, as every day was a brighter day for a woman.