• HBWWF holds seminar to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
• Role of women lauded in resisting authoritarianism, advocating for democracy and equality
• Speakers demand end to discriminatory laws, setting up of anti-harassment bodies at workplaces

KARACHI: Speakers at a seminar on Sunday demanded repeal of all discriminatory laws against women and enactment of legal measures to eliminate all forms of violence against women.

The seminar titled ‘Women’s resistance knows no borders’ was organised by the Home-Based Women Workers Federation, Pakistan (HBWWF) at the Karachi Press Club to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) chairman Asad Iqbal Butt presided over the event, which was attended by a large number of political, social, and rights activists.

They also demanded establishment of anti-harassment committees at workplaces, immediate recovery of all missing persons, restoration of all democratic freedoms including freedom of expression and ratification of ILO Convention 190 by Pakistan.

The speakers paid rich tribute to the three revolutionary sisters from the Dominican Republic, known as the “Butterfly Sisters”, whose struggle against dictatorship was commemorated globally on November 25 every year.

Zehra Khan of HBWWF highlighted how the sisters—Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa Mirabal—became symbols of democratic freedom and women’s empowerment, sacrificing their lives in the fight against a brutal regime. The UN had in 1999 officially declared November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in their honour, she added.

She emphasised that the issues of state oppression, authoritarian governance and misogynistic social attitudes that the Butterfly Sisters fought against persist globally and in Pakistan.

She said women workers, particularly in factories, faced harassment, while systemic gender discrimination prevailed in political, social and economic spheres.

Speaking on the occasion, Nasir Mansoor of the National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) said that although the country had passed a workplace harassment law in 2010, societal norms and judicial delays had made justice nearly unattainable.

“As a result, Pakistan remains the sixth most dangerous country for women,” he said, while referrinf to the Global Gender Gap Index 2018.

He presented alarming statistics that shows 85 per cent of women workers experienced harassment in workplaces, 90pc of domestic workers faced harassment, 40pc of women reported digital harassment, 28pc of women aged 14-49 face physical violence and 6pc are victims of sexual violence.

Additionally, over 8,000 families were affected by enforced disappearances, with thousands of women enduring psychological and social distress due to missing loved ones, he added.

Mr Mansoor recognised the critical role played by women in resisting authoritarianism and advocating for democracy and equality in Pakistan. He highlighted the enduring contributions of figures like Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto, Asma Jahangir, Kaneez Fatima, Tahira Mazhar Ali and contemporary activists like Dr Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Baloch, Sorath Lohar and Zahra Khan.

Activist Sorath Lohar spoke about the ongoing struggle for rights and resources. “We have been fighting, and will continue to fight, for our homeland and our resources,” she said, pointing to issues like water distribution from Sindh to Punjab.

Sharing her personal story, Sammi Baloch of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee brought attention to the plight of families affected by enforced disappearances.

“Being a woman in this society is itself a form of oppression,” she said, describing how Baloch women wait endlessly for their missing loved ones.

“History remembers those who refuse to stay silent. Terror doesn’t frighten us — it strengthens our resolve,” she added.

“Wherever there has been oppression, there has been resistance,” said the HRCP chairman, who shared concerning statistics about violence against women.

He emphasised the need to break from feudal mindsets and bring forward young leadership in the resistance movement.

Other prominent speakers included journalist and activist Mehnaz Rahman, KPC President Saeed Sarbazi and academic Dr Asghar Ali Dashti.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2024