Stating that it was saddening that “reactionary and undemocratic forces were afraid of women becoming aware of their rights” and had already started a hatred-based propaganda against women, they condemned such move. These groups did not want to see women progressing and getting empowered in society, they said, adding that they had resorted to threatening to stop the women’s day programme with the use of force. However, the federation had informed the relevant authorities that they would not be deterred from organising the programme on women’s day, they said. The speakers highlighted the fact that Pakistani women were celebrating women’s day in a society where discriminatory laws against women existed, as in almost all contexts women were still considered “second-class citizens.” Women working in farms, fields, factories and other workplaces not only face economic exploitation but also sexual harassment, they elaborated. Furthermore, thousands of families were being displaced in the name of anti-encroachment operations therefore, women, especially working women, had organised themselves, and emerged as a potent force to fight the injustice, they said.

Source: The Express Tribune March 06, 2020 05:26 UTC