MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Assembly Deputy Speaker Shaheen Kousar Dar led a walk on Monday to rally for women’s rights.

The walk was organised by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (UN Women) AJK chapter, as part of a series of activities which included a seminar and a talk to highlight the importance of women’s rights.

In the rally, participants carried banners and placards with slogans calling for women’s empowerment. 

“There is no force equal to a woman determined to rise,” read one placard.

“Don’t ask your daughters not to go out, ask your sons to behave,” said another. 

The deputy speakers also chanted slogans in the rally and later in her speech called state level initiatives by the AJK government to promote women’s development.

She maintained that there had been increased recognition at the state level that women’s participation was critical to the development process.

“If women and girls are not able to fully realise their rights and aspirations in all aspects of life, they will not be able to make decisions for a better future,” she said.

Dr Bushra Shams, UN Women gender adviser for AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, said her organisation believed in participatory approach and women’s involvement in decision-making. 

“Women of AJK are striving hard to find new opportunities and a better life for themselves and their families,” she said.

Dr Shams said it was heartening to note that the AJK government had implemented a vision of women’s empowerment in true letter and spirit by establishing Women Development Directorate, Women Parliamentarian Caucus (WPC) and the State Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW). 

“We view the establishment of these institutions of state as a ray hope for the women of AJK.

We hope that this will allow them access to education and economic independence,” she added.

She also acknowledged that AJK government had passed women friendly legislation.  Ms Shams, however, pointed out that consistent and conscious efforts were required to create an inclusive environment for women.

Later, the deputy speaker also opened an exhibition of Kashmiri arts and crafts, jointly organised by the Department of Social Welfare and Women Development in collaboration with Small Industries Corporation and non-governmental organisations.  

Kashmiri shawls and rugs with beautiful embroidery, paper mache and walnut wood items were put on display by craftswomen.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2015

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