Celebrating working women’s courage

Expressing the highs and lows in the lives of ordinary women through the arts.


Our Correspondents March 09, 2013
Turning many heads women in their colourful helmets, and neon balloons stringed to their bikes were cycling for a cause. PHOTO: ONLINE/EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD:


A number of events were held in the federal capital to celebrate women’s courage and achievements in the face of societal prejudice and adversity.  Women rights activists held festivals, torch bearing rallies and presented plays highlighting struggle, achievements and miseries of women.


A torch-bearing rally was held from China Chowk to D-Chowk outside parliament. The participants in a statement issued on the occasion said: “We, as women reiterate our commitment to peace and social justice, and demand that those who have committed heinous crimes against the citizens must not be allowed impunity.

“We call upon the nation to pledge on this day to stand up for a peaceful, tolerant and just Pakistan that was dreamed of by the Quaid, where all citizens can have equal opportunities and live in peace and harmony.”

Salute to working women

Everyday struggles of women were honoured at a gathering organised by the Awami Workers Party at French Colony in F-7 Sector, one of the largest kutchi Abadis of the federal capital.

Speaking at the gathering, Awami Workers Party Pakistan (AWP) women wing secretary Dr Farzana Bari said the stance of political parties on the women question would be a decisive factor in differentiating the ones working for real change in the society from those seeking power to maintain status quo.

She said besides patriarchal and class oppression, women’s emancipation was also linked to separation of religion from the affairs of governance and establishment of civilians’ supremacy over the military establishment.

The event also included a theatre performance on early child marriages by a troupe based in the France Colony.  Noted singer Shahram Azhar of Laal Band and other performed.

Honouring courage

Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) has conferred the second Amtul Raqeeb Award posthumously on five teachers, a medical technician and a lady health visitor, who were gunned down by assailants near Swabi Interchange on January 1.

Movie screening

A civil society organisation screened a movie based on the efforts of the women who fought for civil rights. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and achievements, and for looking ahead to the hidden potential and prospects that await future generations of women.  The event was organised by Peace Education And Development (PEAD) Foundation in collaboration with Global Human Rights Defense (GHRD) at its head office.

Cycling for a cause

A group of women organised a cycling down Margalla road. It was an unusual site for many driving down the road. Turning many heads women in their colourful helmets, and neon balloons stringed to their bikes were cycling for a cause. The “Do Good Mob” and “critical mass” had organised the event.

Hajra Haq, a teacher was leading the group. Haq said her husband and children had encouraged her to support the cause.

Umair Masood the organiser of the event said that when he launched the initiative he got great response online.

Katalin Muller from Hungary had accidentally joined the group. She said she cycles from her house to work every day.

The group cycled from Kohsar Market till Faisal Masjid to celebrate international women day attracted many on the road to just follow them till their destination.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2013.

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