International Women’s Day is being observed in Pakistan on Wednesday like parts of the world with the basic aim to promote gender equality and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
In European and Latin American Countries, March 8 has been a day to rally in support of gender equality and against violence toward women.
But in the United States, the day is treated much like any other. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to revel in a day of sisterhood and bond with the important women in our lives.
In Pakistan, the theme is the digital inclusion of marginalized women in male-dominated spaces and societies which is aimed at bringing women into technology, to achieve the greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality.
The day will be observed by holding marches, rallies, seminars, conferences, and events to highlight the role of women across the fifth most populated nation. The most noteworthy of these events will be the Aurat March 2023, which will be held in several cities.
Aurat March, however, has its own manifesto with the Karachi chapter focusing on wages, security, and peace; Lahore on reimagining justice; Multan on reimagining the education system and Islamabad on justice, security, and freedom.
Held everywhere in South Asian nation in cities Aurat March is one of the most talked-about times of the year although, there is a slight change in Karachi this time.
The organizations have decided to change the date for a number of reasons. Reschedule to take place on March 12, Sunday, the authorities organizing the mega event wished to accommodate working-class women as March 08 will be a working day, and emphasized that women should not “experience the distress of losing out on a day of wages.”
President Alvi, PM Shehbaz stress need to empower women for development
Pakistan’s top civil leaders emphasized the need to empower women for the development of society. In their separate messages on International Women’s Day, Prime Minister and President called for increasing participation of women from all walks of life.
President Dr Arif Alvi said the nation needs to increase women’s access to technology and digital literacy programs, especially in remote areas. He further stressed on support to women entrepreneurs and business owners to make them financially independent.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said International Women’s Day is the day to recognize the key role of women in society and their contribution to the evolution of human civilization. Development of human society is not possible without the constructive role of women, the premier added.
This year, the theme of IWD is #Embrace Equality, and the aim is to work for “equity–based solutions” that “take into account the diverse lived experiences of individuals and communities, adapting services and policies according to these differences.”
Here are some ways to join the cause and mark this day:
Donate or volunteer: There are many community groups helping girls and women. Pick a cause, learn about it and support a group helping with it. Certain issues such as access to clean water, sanitation and education disproportionately affect women.
Support global campaigns for gender equity: UN Womanhood is one of many organizations that are championing women’s empowerment.
Celebrate!: You can join events that will be held in cities around the globe or create your own celebration.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquality.
