Khairpur- The International Women Day was celebrated jointly by the Institute of Gender Studies, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur and International Rescue Committee (IRC) in collaboration with Young Peace Development Corp (YPDC). The theme of the day was “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality and Climate Change.” Prof. Dr. Taj Muhammad Lashari, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences presided over the event while Mir Rohal Khan Khoso, Senior Superintendent of Police (S.S.P), Khairpur was the chief guest.
Talking to the participants, Prof. Dr. Taj Muhammad Lashari said women empowerment is the need of the hour. Women are confronting several potential issues i.e. lack of education, absence in participation in political process at large, economic right and even right of inherent property. Dr. Lashari appreciated the efforts of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto for providing a viable platform for the capacity building of the youth as well as different segment of society.
Mir Rohal Khan Khoso said that as per law of land, men and women have equal right and opportunities even our religion Islam also has protected women rights. He said by organizing this day, is a significant development. In our society, women are deprived from their fundamental and legitimate rights. Forced marriages are alarming situation. He said we must eradicate the domestic violence from the society. He said if woman is educated, entire family is educated. We have taken drastic measures to lodge the FIRs against honor killing cases. Five incidents of honor killing occurred in Khairpur District in the year 2022, the state has pursued the cases. The role of Khairpur Police is not a limited as force but as protector of liberties of the people.
Mr. Adeel Shaikh, District Officer IRC shed light the objectives of IRC. He said the IRC, in partnership with UNICEF, is implementing a project (CARE Project – Children & Adolescents Rehabilitation in Emergencies) to provide support and protection to the flood-affected communities in Baluchistan and Sindh provinces. He also appreciated the cooperation extended by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto for organizing this event.
Prof. Dr. Agha Nadia, Director Institute of Gender Studies talked on the theme. She narrated the plight and implication of climate change on women. She said as result of flood havoc, the women suffered a lot. She said in the advent of unprecedented flood, the food insecurity emerged. We imported wheat from China and Russia. She said in the wake of COVID-19, drop out ratio of students increased. She said in the rural population, there is gender gap of education is 21%. She stressed the need for the vocational trainings for women in order to earn the money for their well being.
Ms. Shahida Amir Chandio, Incharge Department of Political Science said that our country is agrarian based. Women in the rural setup are involved in number of agricultural activities. Moreover, they are working in cottage industry as well as involved in handicrafts, so the contribution of women is commendable in the rural setup. She said as per constitution of Pakistan in its 27 article, women are protected but the plight of the women is deplorable. She suggested that women may be given an opportunity to contest on general seats instead of reserved seats in the parliament.
Ms. Paras Niaz Khaskheli, Assistant Professor, Institute of English Language & Literature said that in the wake of prevailing inflation, women may be given chance to participate in online earning activities i.e. content writing, Vlogging and Blogging. She also shown documentary on innovation and technology for gender equality.
Ms. Rukhsana Mangi, Incharge Women Protection Cell, Sukkur said that feminism is a vast subject. Since establishment of Women Protection Cell-2018, 5000 cases have been resolved by this Cell. It is the need of collaborative work. Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur has organized this event in befitting manner.
Ms. Mehnaz Bozdar, Incharge Women Protection Cell, Khairpur said every day is the day of women. We must respect the women. The article 25 of the constitution provides equal opportunities. She said 3000 cases have been disposed pertaining to women violence etc.
Mr. Abdul Ghaffar Thaheem, Deputy Director Women Development Department, Sukkur Region said climate change has adversely affected the vulnerable segments. Govt. of Sindh has contributed for the rehabilitation of the masses.
Mr. Turab Ali, Gender Based Violence Officer of IRC said we are striving to resolve the case management services conducted the trainings with line departments for the capacity building of women, we have taken positive steps to control the early marriages.
Mr. Ali Raza Lashari shed light on adverse impact of crisis on women and girls in emergency situation. He said contingent plan may be devised to cope any eventuality in disaster so the disaster risk reduction may be implemented.
The Speech, Painting and Music Contests were also held. Shields were also distributed among the winners. A large number of teachers and students attended the event.
