KARACHI: On the eve of National Women’s Day, Uks Research Centre annou­nced a month-long campaign on ‘Women’s Rights and the Feminist Movement in Pakistan’ at its office here on Tuesday.

February 12 is a reminder of the historical struggle initiated in the 1980s by women’s rights activists under the banner of the Women’s Action Forum (WAF) against anti-women policies and legislation introduced by military dictator Gen Ziaul Haq. On the day in 1983, hundreds of protesters of WAF were arrested, baton-charged, tear-gassed, water-cannoned and brutally manhandled.

“Uks realises that the struggle is not yet over as there are many obstacles that continue to impede women’s progress and empowerment in our country. By celebrating this day, Uks pays tribute to all rights activists and vows to continue in the same spirit,” said the organisation’s director.

The campaign began with a dialogue for change on ‘Understanding Women’s Rights and the Feminist Movement in Pakistan’, featuring a series of comments and reflections of women and men, young and old, to bring forward a variety of ideas and thoughts on questions around the theme.

Each day, between National Women’s Day and International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8, Uks will bring an assortment of quotes, opinions and its media productions on issues ranging from ‘What is feminism?’ to ‘What’s the best way to introduce and familiarise youth with the concept of feminism?’.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2020