National women’s day: Struggle for rights continues

Rights activists honour the works of women writers.

ISLAMABAD: Rights’ activists and writers gathered at the Nomad Gallery on Thursday to reiterate their commitment to continue their struggle for the protection of women rights, equality and empowerment .

It was over three decades back that a group of women activists raised their voices against black laws imposed by military dictator Gen Zia and the regime’s oppressive rule. They were rallying for the protection of their rights, equality and empowerment. Times have changed but their struggle continues.



“Pakistani woman are strong, brave and resilient and they constitute nearly half of our population. They play a key role in our progress and prosperity and we support and recognise their struggle,” said Amena Kamal, who was moderating a literary session organised by Aawaz.

Activist Salman Asif read out excerpts from the writings of Ismat Chughtai, who was a contemporary of the French writer and feminist Simone de Beauvoir.

“Chughtai was one of the most vociferous and passionate writers. Her writings are more of an expose of the middle-class hypocrisy, tackling major issues such as gender inequality, women empowerment, human rights and sexuality, of her times.

Her short story ‘Lihaaf’ (The Quilt) is an expose on the middle-class hypocrisy around sexuality back in 1942. As a point of reference, Simone de Beauvoir her magnum opus is on sexuality and feminism, The Second Sex in 1949, he added, both the writers came from different backgrounds and battles that they fought.

“I pay homage to the women who have unshackled themselves and men, who are partners and promoters of equality, equity and rights.”

Marvi Sirmed also rendered a nuanced narration of Chughtai’s short story “Humsafar” which outlines a woman’s struggle from trials of marriage, leading up to parenthood and becoming a widow.

Poet Harris Khalique rendered two of his poems, “Razia Sultana” and “Rasheeda Domnee” portraying the strength, beauty and perseverance of ordinary women. With subtle romantic undertones, these characters came alive for their charm and individuality.

The rock band ‘Beygghairat Brigade’ lightened the mood with their tongue-in-cheek songs, mocking the status quo, especially the show-stopper “Aalu Anday” that got the crowd moving and clapping with the melody.

Art show

An exhibition showcasing artworks by a diverse group of artists from across the country were also opened at the gallery.

The show, “Women, Culture, Reclaiming Our Spaces,” features artworks by 12 artists, including Nahid Raza, Anjum Ayub, Sumera Jawad, Samina Akhtar, Komal Khan, Farrah Adnan and Iram Wani, organised under the “Art for Social Change, Peace and Activism,” campaign, commemorating the women’s struggle.

“This is a compelling exhibition organised to honour women and highlight social and cultural issues pertaining to violence while celebrating the inherent resilience and power of women,” said Nageen Hyat, the gallery curator and owner.

Rukhe Neelofar’s paintings portray the men and women of the Kalash Valley. “The striking feature that captured my attention was not the colourful head gear or necklaces, but the fact that women seemed to be more aware of the vulnerability of their dying culture their devotion to revive their individuality,” said the artist in her statement.

The exhibition continues till February 20.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 13^th, 2015.