International Women’s week is a globally celebrated event that is dedicated to highlighting the struggles and achievements of women across the world. In Pakistan, this event is celebrated with great enthusiasm and energy, and it provides a platform for women to raise their voices and demand their rights. Generally, Pakistan observes 8th march as international women’s Day but the programme highlighting the plight of women across Pakistan have started
Pakistan is a country where women have long been fighting for their rights. From gender-based discrimination to sexual harassment and violence, women in Pakistan face numerous challenges and obstacles in their daily lives. International Women’s Day provides a unique opportunity for women to come together, share their stories, and demand change.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 in Pakistan is “Choose to Challenge”. This theme encourages women to challenge the status quo and push for a more equal and just society. The theme is particularly relevant in Pakistan, where women face numerous challenges in their daily lives.
One of the main challenges that women in Pakistan face is gender-based discrimination. Despite constitutional protections, women in Pakistan are often denied access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. They are also subjected to cultural and social norms that limit their freedom and agency.
International Women’s Day provides an opportunity for women in Pakistan to challenge these norms and demand their rights. Through rallies, seminars, and other events, women in Pakistan come together to demand an end to gender-based discrimination and to call for greater gender equality.
Another major challenge that women in Pakistan face is violence. According to the Aurat Foundation, a women’s rights organization in Pakistan, there were over 8,000 cases of violence against women reported in 2021. These cases include domestic violence, honour killings, and sexual assault.
International Women’s Day provides a platform for women in Pakistan to speak out against this violence and demand justice for its victims. Through rallies and other events, women in Pakistan raise their voices to demand an end to violence against women and to call for greater protections for women’s rights.
In addition to these challenges, women in Pakistan also face economic barriers. According to the World Bank, women in Pakistan are less likely to participate in the labour force than men, and they earn less than men when they do. This economic inequality limits women’s ability to support themselves and their families and reinforces gender-based discrimination.
International Women’s Day provides an opportunity for women in Pakistan to demand greater economic opportunities and to challenge the gender-based discrimination that prevents them from reaching their full potential. Through seminars, workshops, and other events, women in Pakistan come together to share their experiences and demand change.
In conclusion, International Women’s Day is an important event in Pakistan that provides a platform for women to come together, share their stories, and demand their rights. From gender-based discrimination to violence and economic inequality, women in Pakistan face numerous challenges in their daily lives. International Women’s Day provides an opportunity for women to challenge these norms and demand a more equal and just society. As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 in Pakistan, let us all commit to standing up for women’s rights and promoting gender equality