The Devolution Trust for Community Empowerment (DTCE), in collaboration with Aurat Foundation, celebrated the International Women’s Day, while interacting with girls, an inspiring future, being the theme of the day.
The programme was held in connection with a campaign under the Gender Equity Programme (GEP) to highlight women’s issues in Pakistan. The GEP is a five-year programme implemented by the Aurat Foundation (AF) in collaboration with The Asia Foundation (TAF) and with the support of American people through United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The GEP aims at bridging the gender gap in Pakistan by proactively supporting the development of women. The programme seeks to facilitate behavioural change in the society by enabling women to access information, resources and institutions, and improve societal attitudes towards women’s rights. The DTCE is the national partner in this project.
The campaign is focusing on raising awareness of gender-based violence, providing a forum for dialogue and information sharing, lobbying with the public sector stakeholders regarding the national and international commitments on gender, expressing solidarity with survivors and victims of gender-based violence and celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of the women of Pakistan.
Underlining the day’s significance, Rafat Yasmin, Communication and Media Officer of AF, said that the international Women’s Day was being observed since 1911. She highlighted the achievements of courageous Pakistani girls who made their marks in different walks of life.
Public service messages made by the GEP were also screened. The messages were part of the GEP media campaign featuring successful Pakistani girls, including cricketers, scuba divers, mountaineers, carpenter, karate champions and peace activists.
Promoters of the talk shows based on gender-based violence prevailing in Pakistan were also shared with the participants. The talk shows are made under USIAD-supported GEP.
DTEC Chief Operating Officer Azhar Bashir Malik said that it had given him immense pleasure that they were celebrating the International Women’s Day and paying tribute to brave Pakistani women. He said Pakistani women should continue to contribute to national progress by accepting challenges and playing their worthy role.
