History of Pakistan is a witness to all the people’s combined efforts to protect the fundamental rights of humans, but without the contribution of each and every individual we cannot reach the target of viewing an unbiased place where every individual is free to take his own decisions on his own sweet will, irrespective pressure from any corner of the society and the system.
With this core objective to create and inculcate awareness among the people, the Nomad Gallery in association with United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), on Saturday organised a number of colourful activities at its premises.
Art and craft display, music, peace mural, painting exhibition, book reading and poetry recital were a part of the programme.
Rights activists, poets, writers, a number of artists and students thronged Nomad Gallery, where three youngsters (Waqar, Kamran and Moazzam) gave a stunning performance of rap music to kick off the evening. It was a mixture of Punjabi and English music with objectivity and the passion was witnessed throughout the performance of the trio. It was followed by a mime show ‘Seven Sins’ performed by the students of Architecture Department of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT).
The group has performed on an amateur level at various venues in Pakistan since 2007. This was their first performance at the Nomad venue, which was well appreciated by the spectators. Clad in black dress with painted faces and body parts, the show depicts hope, peace and end of any sort of violence against women which emerged in the oppressed and brutal society. The expressions showed how society reacts in tyrannical regimes and a ray of hope overshadows frustration and that women should act together to raise their voice against tyranny.
The duo of Sadia Hyat Khan and Ali Fateh- talented youngsters read out excerpts from the book ‘A Warrior’s Life’ authored by the great spiritual writer Paulo Coelho to highlight peace and spirituality on the face of this planet- earth.
Over dozen of stalls displaying art and craft items including hand made crafted items, bags, decoration pieces, wall hangings, paintings and other crafts under the title ‘Women Crafts Mela’ was also set up to show solidarity and support women who are the victim of male chauvinism.
A large ‘Peace Mural’ was remained display on the gallery wall during the 16 days of activism against women from November 25 to December 10 portraying messages through symbols and texts by artists and common people on a single canvas.
‘Aman Shanakht Banao’ focusing on interactive discussion, workshops and research was also the feature of these activities. An installation with the main theme of ‘The People are Demanding’ is also a part of the events to highlight strong representation from all walks of life.
