International Women’s Day celebrated in Sukkur

SUKKUR: Leading women and scholars associated with education, anthropology, research and social sector advised female students to take lead in motivation of rural women to adopt entrepreneurship, follow skills learning and explore markets of their own products or handicrafts.

“This is the time to join hands to promote rural women economically, socially and politically; so they may live with dignity and enjoy freedom.” It was the general message of speakers on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, celebrated at the Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, on Wednesday.

The speakers emphasised that rural women had to learn the trade models and explore markets in urban centers, which was the only way to empower women economically. The celebrations of International Women’s Day were followed by an awareness walk under the Gender Equity Program jointly organised by the Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, and Aurat Foundation in collaboration with USAID at the university premises.

The event attracted a large number of students, both male and female, belonging to various departments of the university to show solidarity with women around the world on this important day.

Dr Qamar Wahid, a renowned scholar and educationist, in her speech said, “Only crying, protesting and complaining will not help women to get their rights, guaranteed by the Constitution. You have to move ahead with bravery and confidence, as your destination is waiting for you.”

She further added, “Some of you may become educationists, researchers or enjoy higher positions by working in different fields and sectors in future, but you have a responsibility to look behind. There are women working in the agriculture fields in Sindh without taking proper wages and being exploited economically.

“You should behave as change makers in the society and in fact these platforms will help you achieve your target,” she said this while directly talking to participating students.

She encouraged girls studying in universities and professional institutes to take the lead and achieve set goals of life. “It is a blessing that a large number of girls have got opportunities to be enrolled in universities. But after their education, they must realise that a large number of village girls do not have access to  even primary education,” she said.

Prof Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar said, “It is need of the hour to resist hostility against women in the society.” He gave examples in which certain criminal elements deprived elderly women of their golden earrings in different areas and damaged the rich values in peaceful Sindh set by elders long ago. “These incidents are not favourable to show the picture of the present Sindh globally,” he said.

Sindhi Association of North America (SANA) member Aftab Memon said, “Women themselves should dare to ask for their rights and fight for their rights.” Zulfiqar Halepoto said that the Sindhi society was really backward as compared to the civilised societies. “We should connect ourselves with the world and show that we can organise and celebrate these important days with great enthusiasm,” he said. “Obviously, we claim to be civilised but in true spirit we have to look in to the social fabric in Sindh and realise how the women live and enjoy their rights.” After the speeches, all the participants joined the awareness walk to show solidarity with women across the globe.