Pakistan Observes International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is being observed in Pakistan like the rest of the world honoring working women and empowerment, and to acknowledge women’s outstanding contributions in various fields.

This year’s theme  is; “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.”

Like every year, 8th March aims to raise awareness about women’s equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity, and raise funds for female-focused charities.

Marking the day various seminars, conferences and events have been organized in Pakistan to highlight the significance of the role of women in society.

The day also witnesses Aurat Marches being organized in various cities of the country to mark International Women’s Day with a huge number of participants

Special messages are also being shared honoring Pakistani women.

Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mehmood Qureshi in his message pertaining to Women’s Day, said that during the testing times of the COVID-19 pandemic, women in Pakistan demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership, effectively contributing to our nation’s response and recovery.

FM Qureshi said women stood at the front lines, as health care workers, primary caregivers, innovators, human rights defenders, and community organizers. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan’s landmark Ehsaas emergency cash program to counter the negative socio-economic impacts of the pandemic is being ably led by a woman.

“We cannot forget the plight of women in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and over the last seven decades, they have endured the worst forms of human rights abuse and oppression at the hands of Indian occupation forces including sexual violence, rape, and molestation,” he maintained.

Shibli Faraz, Minister for Information with reference to Women’s Day said that the government is committed to the empowerment and social protection of women by providing them equal opportunities for progress and ensuring their rights.

In a tweet on International Women’s Day, the minister said enforcement of the Women Property Rights Act will help ensure women their inheritance rights.

He added that it is imperative to empower women to make society civilized and progressive.

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa in his message marking Women’s Day said that the Pakistani women have contributed immensely for the glory and honour of our nation.

“They are also at the forefront against COVID. Women in uniform have proved their mettle by contributing copiously in diverse fields serving the nation and humanity. They deserve our immense respect and gratitude,” General Bajwa added.

Read More: Google Has A Special Mandala Doodle for International Women’s Day 2020

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to United Nations Munir Akram in a tweet said that we reaffirm our collective resolve to redouble efforts in advancing gender equality and respect for women’s rights.

“Pakistani women @UN have provided the most exemplary & effective service & we will continue to further build on our achievements,” he added.

A special tribute was shared on social media on behalf of the National Assembly of Pakistan to honour the country’s women leaders who are striving for women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in all walks of life.

Many Pakistani leaders have extended special messages on social media:

While there is always a call is for the protection of women’s rights,  appreciating and respecting women should be the norm and even more today since Women’s Day is celebrated especially each year, worldwide.