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SUKKUR: Panelists at a discussion have called for raising awareness of the public and media on the gender sensitive vulnerabilities and increasing capacities in disaster and gender specific needs.
The discussion was held in connection with the International Women’s Day by the Marvi Rural Development Organisation (MRDO) in collaboration with Students Societies Centre, Shah Abdul Latif University (Salu), Khairpur, and funded by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), at the university.
According to a press release, it was part of an event titled ‘Celebrating International Women’s Day — Rethinking Women & Girls Empowerment & Gender Equality in 2025 & Beyond’.
The panelists were Sindh Rural Support Organisation CEO Prof (rtd) Bhittai Social Watch Advocacy Academic Adviser Dr Taj Muhammad Lashari, women rights activist Ms Pushpa Kumari, Shelter Sector IOM Sukkur Incharge Ms Safia Bano, Advocate Rubina Chandio and others.
They observed that it was high time to improve and mainstream gender perspective and equal participation between men and women in coordination of humanitarian response and recovery through capacity building and training.
They suggested prevention of women and girls from the existing forms of violence and discrimination, and gender-based violence, to bring women in the peace building efforts at the national and international level.
The Women Courage Awards were given away to prominent women activists — Ms Syed Hina Shah Jillani, Prof Maqsooda Bhatti, Ms Rukhsana Mubarak and others.
MPA Barrister Halar Khan Wassan was the chief guest at the session of speeches presided over by Meritorious
Prof Dr Muhammad Yousuf Khushik, Salu vice chancellor.
Addressing on the occasion, Barrister Wasan shed light on the significance of women’s rights, emphasising that Pakistan’s constitution, particularly Article 25, guaranteed equal rights for both men and women.
He acknowledged the contributions of iconic women such as Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Nusrat Bhutto, Asma Jahangir, who had left a lasting impact in their respective fields.
Dr Khushik in his presidential address remarked that a house was just a construction of walls and a roof but a woman turned it into a home.
He added that the day was not just a celebration, it was a reminder that women deserved respect, education, health and opportunities.
Mr Iqbal Ahmed Detho, chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), discussed the ongoing struggles for women’s rights.
MRDO CEO Ms Sughra Solangi expressed her joy at the event, emphasising that the progress for women was possible when both men and women joined forces for the development of society.
Celebration at KCAMS
The Khairpur College of Agriculture and Management Sciences (KCAMS) also commemorated the International Women’s Day.
The event, attended by students and faculty members from all departments, paid homage to the remarkable contributions of women throughout history and in the contemporary world.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Syed Hina Shah Jillani, a distinguished women’s rights activist from Khairpur Mirs, emphasised that no nation could achieve sustainable progress without the active participation of women.
KCAMS Principal Syed Ali Raza Shah said: “Women have been instrumental in shaping civilisations, advancing economies and strengthening governance.
Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2025
