A women’s day program was organized by Sabina Rifat and her team, which was attended by around 100 participants. It was good to see that the program started on time. It was also interesting to see a lot of new faces and mostly youth. The other positive aspect was that these youth got oriented with the meaning of women’s day and the struggle for empowerment.
The program started with a joint prayer where girls and women from all faiths read the prayer of Saint Francis of Asisi. The mood of the whole program was festive and the whole program was facilitated by the youth. Nida Anwer a young student was the main stage coordinator who was accompanied by Silvia Noreen a new youth introduced by Sabina Rifat. Meena Hameed a young professional singer enlightened the guests by singing Sufi songs in Urdu and Punjabi and played the harmonium. Young girls from a slum area school played a very beautiful tableau.
A message from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was delivered. And the main points were highlighted:
- By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes.
- By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
- End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
- Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
Sr Sabina said that women have to stand up and work for themselves for their dignity and rights. No one can do it for you she said, unless you determine for it. She also extended the message of wellbeing and appreciation to all women from Sally Mahe and URI global office.
The speakers mainly pointed out that although we have a new law to curb violence against women and have had previous laws to protect women yet implementation of these is poor and still a lot of work has to be done.
It also was pointed out by one of the speakers Fozia Saeed the manager of child protection bureau, that we need to orient our men folk towards playing a supportive role to women. They must also share the responsibilities of the running home etc. The speaker Naumana Suleman from Justice and peace commission “stated that research has shown that any peace program is not successful without the inclusion of women.”
Qazi Javaid director of Islamic cultural institute, a prominent writer mentioned, “We need to still keep working towards emancipating women.” Ms. Uzma Daniel spoke of importance of nurturing children and closely observing children’s activities. Further of the importance of having a dream or goal in life to work towards.
Father James Channon spoke of the UN goals for empowerment of women/girls. He assured of his cooperation for women empowerment and appreciated women who are working for this purpose. He also expressed that the program of IWD was well prepared and very enriching.
Sr Sabina thanked the whole team, Yuel Bhatti, Asher Nazir, and all for their help and work.
A festive dinner was served to all at the end.
