Although the transfer of power to the provinces under the 18th amendment is a welcome initiative, the Balochistan Women Development Ministry is still waiting for funds to be transferred.
This was stated by Provincial Minister for Women Development Ghazala Gola while addressing a seminar-cum-art exhibition at the Nomad Gallery on Thursday.
The event was organised by the Nomad Gallery to mark the International Women’s Day. The seminar was titled ‘Women- Devolution and Laws’ and ‘Women Demanding Peace’.
Gola said the lack of funds is still a hurdle in empowering women in a province where only 3 percent of the women are literate.
She added that under the current circumstances, the implementation of women’s rights’ bills were questionable.
The minister said: “Without the appropriate funding, the Baloch women will not be able to stand for their right to emancipation. The efforts for legislation about women’s empowerment will suffer a set-back.”
Sindh Women Development Minister Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto, Punjab Assembly Member Musarrat Hasan, Sindh MNA Fauzia Ijaz, MNA Donia Aziz, KPK MPA Shagufta Malik, Balochistan Inter-Provincial Coordination Minister Ruaya Hashmi, writer and columnist Harris Khalique, Acid Survivors Foundation Director Valerie Khan. Eminent poetess Kishwar Naheed inaugurated the exhibition. Nomad Gallery director and rights activist Nageen Hyat conducted the proceedings.
Naheed highlighted the male-chauvinist society by reading a poem titled ‘Kheil Saraay’.
The speakers lauded the gender responsive governance initiative in Pakistan and urged the government and society to make efforts to enhance peace, social harmony and equal participation in the country.
The speakers said for Pakistani women, the day holds a wider meaning as it an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development.
The Nomad Gallery also held a contemporary art exhibition titled ‘Women Demanding Peace’ by 9 female artists, highlighting women’s suffering.
The artists included Nahid Raza, Anjum Ayub, Samra Khan, Humera, Samina Ali, Mehar Afroz, Samreen Asif, Riffat Ara Baig and Sumera Jawad.
They displayed a total of 19 paintings that portrayed glimpses of Pakistan’s architectural heritage, landscapes and abstract impressions.
“The artwork not only explores the talent of female artists but puts across their message through symbolism for demanding equality,” said Nageen Hyat.
The exhibition will continue till March 20.
‘Lack of funds a hurdle to women’s empowerment’
