‘People unaware of basic human rights due to low literacy rate’

Tehrik-e-Niswan organises an event at the Arts Council to commemorate International Human Rights Day

KARACHI: Tehrik-e-Niswan, a women's rights group, organised a cultural programme at the Arts Council of Pakistan on Sunday to commemorate International Human Rights Day. The event was organised in collaboration with various other organisations and aimed to raise awareness about human rights.



In her keynote speech, the founder of Tehrik-e-Niswan, Sheema Kermani, said that because of low literacy rates in Pakistan, majority of the people were unaware of basic human rights and their importance. She added, "Just to raise awareness amongst general public through arts and culture, we have organised this cultural event." She thanked the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women, Pakistan Medical Association, Pakistan National Forum on Women's Health, Mahardar Art Production, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Hum Awaaaz, Anchal Welfare Organization, Women Development Organisation, Peace Development Organisation and Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research for their contributions in making the event successful.

Kermani said, "The purpose of gathering these various organisations on one platform is to bring together people from various segments of society and schools of thought so that we all can learn about each other, understand each other in a better way, initiate a meaningful dialogue to discuss the different human rights issues and work for the cause of human rights."

She added, "We believe that through arts and culture, we can deliver our message more strongly and it can bring a positive change in our society."

Young boys and girls from rural and urban centres of Karachi performed in the event, which included dance, theatre, singing, music and speeches. The children brought diversity as each represented their cultural heritage.



Tehrik-e-Niswan was formed in 1979 to create awareness about women's rights. Initially, they focused on organising seminars and workshops to take up women's issues. Since then, it has become the cultural wing of the women's movement in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th, 2018.