Students highlight women’s woes through art

Portray inequality, harassment and violence against women

RAWALPINDI:

Over 50 girl students from various schools and colleges of the twin cities highlighted challenges confronting girls and women through art in a live painting competition on Wednesday.

The participants highlighted the issues of sexual harassment, inequality, lack of education, poverty, socio-economic struggle, social disparity, domestic violence, dreams and hope in their paintings. Some of the artworks aesthetically presented flickering vision and thoughts that the young women are surrounded by.

The event was organised by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) and Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi, in collaboration with the Islamabad Crescent Lions. The event was held in connection with International Women’s Day.

Kulsoom Chattha and Qindil Shahzad of the Fatima Jinnah Women University won the first prizes, Laiba Imran from Superior College and Tasbiha Rehan from Federal Government Postgraduate Girls College Kashmir Road won the second prizes, while Fizza Javed from Islamabad Model College for Girls (Postgraduate) F-7/2 and Muneeba Urooj from International Islamic University Islamabad secured third position, Saharun Nisa of Sultana Foundation Girls High School and Alina Latif of Islamabad Model College for Girls (Postgraduate) F-7/2 stayed at fourth position. Laiba Yaseen of Arid Agricultural University and Omaima Khan of Divisional Public School won fifth position. Mahnoor Khushhal of Fatima Jinnah Women University won the Director’s Choice Award.

Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change Chairperson Senator Seemi Ezdi, who was the chief guest at the event, said the paintings were a true reflection of the girls’ apprehensions and aspirations. Through art, they have reflected what they feel about the untoward behaviours at their homes and in society. Art is not just a source of expression but a medium to educate people about social concerns and taboos, she added.

Women Activist Sumaira Raza urged parents to give confidence to their daughters to face the challenges of their life and career. “We need to prepare our young girls for the future and support their aspirations for the sake of a vibrant society,” she added.

Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi Director Waqar Ahmed said. “We need to recognise women's artworks to inspire more womenfolk to become part of economic productivity. Women working in the culture sector are more stigmatised in Pakistan, especially those engaged in professions such as dance, music and theatre, he added.

Devcom-Pakistan Director Munir Ahmed said art can play a significant role in transforming society. This medium of creativity stimulates the inner vision of a person, and grooms the aesthetics leading to individuals playing a positive role in society.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2022.