RAWALPINDI: Despite facing challenges like sexual harassment, inequality, lack of education, poverty, socio-economic struggles and domestic violence, dreams and hopes of women were highlighted by participants of a painting competition on Wednesday.

More than 50 participants from various schools and colleges skillfully reflected issues that women in Pakistan are faced with.

The competition was organised by Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) and Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) in collaboration with Islamabad Crescent Lions Club (ICLC) to mark International Women’s Day.

The works depicted the strength of women and how it played a key role in refining society. The painting that won the first prize in the masters category showed an incomplete image of a woman surrounded by flowers and attractive motifs.

Kulsoom Chattha and Qindil Shahzad of Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) won the first prizes, Laiba Imran from Superior College and Tasbiha Rehan from Federal Government Postgraduate Girls College, Kashmir Road won the second prizes, Fizza Javed from Islamabad Model College for Girls (Postgraduate) F-7/2 and Muneeba Urooj from International Islamic University Islamabad secured the third position.

Saharun Nisa of Sultana Foundation Girls High School and Alina Latif of Islamabad Model College for Girls (Postgraduate) F-7/2 secured the fourth position while Laiba Yaseen of Arid Agricultural University and Omaima Khan of Divisional Public School won the fifth position. Mahnoor Khushhal of FJWU won the Director’s Choice Award.

Chairperson of Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change Senator Seemi Ezdi was the chief guest.

The paintings were a true reflection of the girls’ apprehensions and aspirations, she said, adding that through art, they had reflected what they felt about the untoward behaviour in their homes and in society as well. Art is just not a source of expression but a medium to educate people about social concerns and taboos, she added.

Activist Sumaira Raza urged parents to boost their daughters’ confidence and prepare them for a bright future so they could be strong enough to pursue their dreams.

Devcom-Pakistan’s Director Munir Ahmed said art could play a significant role in transforming society, adding that this medium stimulated the inner vision of a person and groomed aesthetics leading to individuals playing a positive role in society.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed said we need to recognise, appreciate and celebrate women’s work to inspire more to become part of economic productivity. Women working in the cultural sector are more stigmatised in Pakistan especially those engaged in professions such as dance, music and theatre, he added.

Head of Art and Design at West Minster School Riffat Ara Baig was of the view that participants have done marvellous work, the best of which would be displayed in the festival’s forthcoming exhibition.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2022