Islamabad Opting for a change from the usual, the Islamabad Foreign Women's Association (IFWA) held its monthly fund-raising event at the Nomad Art Gallery (NAG). As explained by vice president, Jasmina Makarervic ((Bosnia and Herzegovina), the committee thought it would be a good idea to try something 'different' and since it was the inaugural day of the yearly 'Sixteen Days of Activism against Gender Violence' campaign, why not at a venue that is already geared up for the event? It was a good choice of venue as it turned out to be interesting. Keeping in mind the title of the campaign, 'Tashadud Namanzoor' (No to violence) the walls of the gallery had been covered with murals depicting various phases of a life that is brought up with violence; stories of victims of gender violence and similar illustrations dealing with the subject. There were also paintings and sculptures that had been especially created for the occasion -- some by known artists and some by students of the gallery. Members and their guests turned up at the Saidpur Village location in time (a little early for winter) and the programme began with a welcome by Jasmina for the ladies and a thank you to Nageen Hyat, the owner of Nomad Gallery for hosting the event. She also announced that the next coffee morning would be a farewell to the committee member, Dulce Maria Rodriguez Peral (Cuba) who will be leaving Pakistan soon. Nageen then explained what the 'Sixteen Days of Activism' was all about -- basically a campaign to say No to Violence -- an Advocacy campaign 'art for social change, peace and activism' on the occasion of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence Campaign. The overall theme of the event is to reaffirm commitment to make all efforts to eliminate violence against women. "This year we aim to address cyber-violence targeting girls and women, child abuse, VAW in various forms, and empowerment and awareness of women and youth in various marginalised communities through training," she said thanking the Australian High Commission for its support. She urged the ladies to visit the workshops taking place on the first floor of the gallery to lend their support to the cause. The ladies who were interested asked questions about the campaign; others looked at the art work and showed interest in the workshops. Refreshments were served, after which some ladies left and others stayed on to learn more about the campaign. A programme of events to be held during the sixteen days was picked up by ladies who wanted to participate in the campaign.
