• A traditional way to celebrate International Women’s Day is sending flowers to the women in your life to express your support

Tasneem Hossain | Dhaka

Flowers- the word itself brings joy to all of us. It stirs our imaginations and creates a vivid visualization of bright beautiful flowers swaying in the breeze. You can almost smell their fragrance.

For centuries, flowers have been a powerful medium of communication, overflowing with hidden meanings and emotional symbolism. The tradition of employing flowers as symbols has its roots in ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian cultures. Egyptians used floral symbolism in their art and religion, the Greeks and Romans associated flowers with their gods and goddesses.

The captivating power and timeless appeal of floral symbolism have also been skillfully interwoven as a literary device in literature for a long time. Authors from different periods and genres have enriched their stories using the exquisite beauty and varied meanings of flowers. The charm of flowers in Shakespeare’s romantic sonnets; the soulful verses of Emily Dickinson and euphoric description of Wordsworth have breezed through time and continues to inspire both readers and writers. Even now, floral symbolism plays a significant role in literature, art and in personal and public celebrations.

The art of giving specific meanings to flowers, known as floriography, is fascinating. This fascinating language allows meaningful interpretation through different flowers and their colours; the number of flowers and floral arrangements.

For example rose is the universal symbol of love and represents Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Depending on the colours, they have different meanings. Red roses symbolize passionate love and respect and yellow roses convey friendship and joy. Two roses symbolize mutual affection and love, six rose express infatuation.

While the practice of floriography may not be as widespread today as it was during the Victorian age, the language of flowers continues to captivate us and inspire creativity.

“A flower’s appeal is in its contradictions — so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect.” — Terri Guillemets

Flowers and women complement each other in a similar way: delicate yet strong.

A traditional way to celebrate International Women’s Day is sending flowers to the women in your life to express your support.

What flowers should we send?

Before we delve into this, let’s talk about International Women’s Day (IWD). It’s a global event, held on March 8th each year, to celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements; to honour women and their contributions to the family, society and the world; create awareness and to take actions to dissolve gender disparity; focus on women’s rights where education, reproductive rights and violence and abuse against women are addressed.

International Women’s Day has its seed in the labour movement in the US in 1908. About 15,000 women walked through the streets in New York City demanding shorter working hours, better wages and their right to vote. Later women in Soviet Russia brought out processions demanding their rights to vote and this demand was accepted in 1917. It was later recognised as an annual event on March 8, 1975 by the United Nations.

Gender equality is the greatest human rights challenge and can only be addressed by empowering women. In order to bring in change and accelerate the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world, investment in women sectors must become a top priority.

According to UN website data

• Additional $360 billion is needed per year to achieve gender equality.
• Closing gender gaps in employment could boost GDP per capita by 20 per cent.
• 300 million jobs created by 2030 by investing in care services
• Closing gaps in care and expanding services with decent jobs could spark almost 300 million jobs by 2035.

Thus, it’s necessary for governments to prioritize gender-responsive financing and increase public spending on essential services and social protection for women; develop and implement fair and transparent policies to protect women’s rights and ensure that women’s voices are heard in decision-making; a digital revolution to enact policies that bridge the digital gender gap; implement strict laws for zero tolerance for violence against women; international intervention in conflict related sexual violence; plan and mitigate sufferings for women in climate crisis.

Despite the challenges faced by women and girls, they are playing dominant roles in their contributions to the society, helping build a more sustainable future for all.

Yet, their efforts are undermined due to socio-cultural norms limiting their full participation in leadership and key decision-making processes.

Ending all forms of discrimination, against women and girls, is their basic human right. Their voices need to be heard without fear, without repression. Women, in all their diversities, need to be celebrated.

Every year, the UN comes up with a theme for the day. The IWD theme for 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” In order to achieve a future where all people are treated equally, this year’s theme looks for actions to provide equal rights, power, and opportunities for women.

Sadly, there are innumerable barriers to gender equality.

Though, we have achieved a little of some of the goals, it requires a lot to be done. At the current rate of progress, according to data from the World Economic Forum, it will not be until 2158, to reach full gender equality.

To speed up the progress, globally, we need to efficiently and effectively accelerate our actions in addressing the barriers faced by women.

The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is #AccelerateAction

#AccelerateAction calls for worldwide action to find out practical plans, policies, resources and activities for women’s advancement worldwide.

Though, governments have a greater role to play in advancing gender equality and women’s rights, we all have responsibilities in accelerating the process.

A collective effort by all who care about human rights will help women to break the glass ceiling.

Be a part of the movement. Send a flower to express solidarity to the women in your life.

Though, IWD was observed since the early 1900s in America and Europe, it wasn’t until March 8, 1946, that flowers began to be closely associated with this day.

It originated in Italy. The first Women’s Day in Italy was celebrated in 1922, but it took on a particular meaning in 1945, when the Women’s Union in Italy regained rights to vote lost under Mussolini’s Fascist regime. Three members of the Unione Donne Italiane (a women’s rights organization) nominated the Mimosa flower as a symbol to represent IWD. Despite having delicate flowers, it grows even in harshest conditions just like women. It was picked as a symbol of strength, sensitivity, and sensibility.

Since then, the tradition of giving flowers on this day to express solidarity and honour women has continued. Although the mimosa flower has a special significance, it’s not the only flower given. It’s estimated that flower shops sell more than 150,000 roses on this day in shops across Russia alone.

A combination of purple, green and white colour symbolizes the equality of women which originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK in 1908. Green symbolizes hope and white purity. There’s a new introduction of yellow colour representing a ‘new dawn’. It’s commonly used to signify a second wave of feminism. Thus purple with green represents traditional feminism, purple with yellow represents progressive contemporary feminism. Pink, purple, green and white, and green are the colors that are connected to the IWD celebration theme every year.

As the color theme for the day is associated with purple signifying justice and dignity, giving purple roses and pink roses are an excellent choice to express admiration to the women in your life.

You can also send other flowers like carnations, lotus, lilies, chrysanthemums or tulips-each with their particular symbols to show your appreciation and solidarity.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to create a more equitable and inclusive society for women around the globe; celebrate women’s achievements; take action for equality, invest in their welfare and inspire inclusion.

Show your support by sending flowers to the special women in your life.

Let’s hold hands together to Accelerate Action for gender equality.

Instagram post of the writer posted by IWD

https://www.instagram.com/internationalwomensday_global/p/DFAwcztzhmJ/poet-columnist-fiction-writer-translator-and-training-consultant-tasneem-hossain/

Facebook post of the writer posted by IWD

https://www.facebook.com/Internationalwomensday/photos/poet-columnist-fiction-writer-translator-and-training-consultant-tasneem-hossain/1004429978376263/?_rdr

References:

• UN Women, International Women’s Day
• International Women’s Day, Let’s Inspire Inclusion
• Winfrey, Oprah, Darcey Flowers, The Story Behind the International Women’s Day Flowers

________________

Tasneem Hossain is a multilingual poet, columnist, op-ed and fiction writer, educator, translator, and training consultant. She writes poems in English, Urdu, and Bengali. As an op-ed writer, she has authored over 130 articles. Her articles deal with day to day life events and deals with personal development issues; and creates awareness about social and human rights issues. Several of her articles and poems are utilized as teaching material in universities and academies across various countries; some have been referenced in university research papers by academics. She is author of three poetry collections—Grass in Green, The Pearl Necklace, and Floating Feather and a book of articles ‘Split and Splice’, she also leads an international poetry project and group called Life in Lyrics. Additionally, four more books are currently in progress. She served as a faculty member of Business English at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology. Currently, she is the director of the prominent human resource development organizations, Continuing Education Centre (Bangladesh), and Cansaz Services and Distribution LLC (Canada). With 27 years of experience, she is a highly regarded Business English Language and Communication Management trainer.

Read: STOP! Stop Violence against Women and Girls

The post International Women’s Day: Flowers for Solidarity first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Karachi, Sindh

Turkish Consulate General in Karachi hosted a celebration in honor of International Women’s Day, inviting women from diverse fields of expertise to partake in the festivities. Businesswomen, artists, professors, former ministers, media personalities, and authors were among the attendees, said a statement from the consulate on Tuesday.

Addressing the ceremony, Turkish Consul General in Karachi, Cemal Sangu emphasized the pivotal role of women in society and their significant contributions across various sectors.

Former Federal Minister for Law, Barrister Shahida Jamil, in her speech, focused on the ancient history of the subcontinent, its close connection with Turkish world, delving into cultural aspects and highlighting the influential role of women in shaping society, particularly in the foundation of Pakistan.

Devrim Erol, Board Member of the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkiye (KAGIDER), shared a virtual message from Turkiye, emphasizing the importance of strengthening women in society for the betterment of future generations.

Yasmin Hyder, representing the Pakistan Women Entrepreneurs Network for Trade, also addressed the gathering, adding her perspective to the celebration of women’s achievements and advocating for continued support and empowerment. (PR)

Read: Heroes remembered who defeated July 15 coup in Türkiye

___________________

The post Turkish Consulate General in Karachi Hosts Grand Celebration for International Women’s Day first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Hyderabad, Sindh  

International Women’s Day 2024 was celebrated by the Women’s Development Department in collaboration with the Sindh Development Society (SDS) and some other organizations in Hyderabad.

Different theaters, songs were performed while award and shields were distributed at the program.

People from different walks of life attended the program. Civil Society Organizations working on women’s issues such as SPO, SAFWCO, Care International, HANDS, NRSP, along with others, participated in the program.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ashique Kalhoro shared about women empowerment and discussed various options to make opportunities accessible for women.

Paras Ghafar shared the scope of work of SDS. He mentioned that the organization has been operating in Sindh province since 1994. He said that SDS celebrates International Women’s Day each year, highlighting the organization’s commitment to gender equality.

Tameezuddin Khero, Secretary of the Women Development Department, shared about the value of women in society, and elaborated the services provided by the department including Safe House and Darulaman.

He reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring women’s rights and opportunities through collaborative efforts and effective coordination.

Dr. Firdos Sangi from ABCD shared about their organization’s work and the volunteerism of women. She discussed various women’s issues and highlighted their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting their support for women during this challenging time. She recommended self-defense care training.

Reshma Thebo, Assistant Director from the Women Development Department, discussed the department’s role and the process for reporting cases. She highlighted the department’s focus on women’s rights, highlighting their efforts in providing financial empowerment to rural women.

Ghulam Fatima student and Volunteer of SDS, shared history of women and shared hardships of rural women, she highlighted ground issues women face

M Parkash, Chairman of SCAN, highlighted women’s societal role and SCAN’s work addressing climate change’s impact on them. He highlighted women’s vulnerability to environmental crises, advocating for gender-responsive policies and women’s empowerment in climate action. SCAN raises awareness, advocates for women’s rights, and implements community projects through 23 local CSOs.

Pushpa Kumari spoke about human rights violations in Sindh, particularly focusing on issues such as honor killings, rape, murder, and domestic violence. She also discussed the impact of climate change on rural women in Sindh.

Shewa Ram Suthar shared about the investment of rural women as they become financially empowered. He further highlighted the SPO’s role in women empowerment, including unique initiatives like the Nari Climate Enterprise and various social actions taken by SPO in Sindh province for women empowerment.

Faheem Babar, Information Secretary of Sindh Climate Action Network, spoke about the digital role of women in investment to empower them. He ensured support from the Sindh TV platform for more awareness and sensitization.

Sindh Climate Action Network (SCAN) focuses on addressing climate impacts on women and other societal issues. It collaborates and works closely with the Women Development Department. (PR)

Read: Working Women vow to continue struggle for freedom, economic autonomy and social protection

____________________

The post International Women’s Day Celebrated in Hyderabad first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Staff Report

Karachi, Sindh

Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) celebrated International Women’s Day on Friday with a strong focus on employing modern, cutting-edge, and scalable approaches, as it recognizes the pivotal role of women in spearheading various programs and portfolios, and in several SEF schools, women play a crucial role in diverse capacities, including teaching.

Emphasizing the theme, ‘Train to Transform: Skills Unleashed, Confidence Boosted,’ this event was an integral part of the Prof. Anita Ghulam Ali Discourse Series. Prof. Anita Ghulam Ali’s series seeks to underscore the significance of empowering women in education, acknowledging their transformative impact on the learning environment.

Shahpara Rizvi, Director, General Administration, speaking at the program held at Youth Professional Development Center highlighted that great poet of Sindh Shah Abdul Latif has depicted women in his poetry as the strongest creation of nature. His verses encompass seven ‘soormiyan.’

SEF has introduced numerous programs specifically tailored for women, she said emphasizing the necessity of a gender-responsive financing policy for women, advocating for a shift towards a green economy and a caring society.

She stressed that women should actively participate in the policy-making process and urged for female representation in parliament, legislation, and policy formulation to effectively address women’s issues.

Director of HR, Abdul Jabbar Marri, expressed gratitude for the initiation of foundation by Prof. Dr. Anita Ghulam Ali, emphasizing that her visionary leadership has significantly shaped this remarkable initiative. Following her invaluable contribution, Madam Naheed Shah Durani has continued to foster these positive changes in our society. And this is how women are shaping the organization and setting examples.

Women who have been working with SEF for over 20 years shared their experiences, expressing a profound sense of safety and security. They have never contemplated switching to another organization, attributing this loyalty to the familial leadership style.

They shared, upon joining, there were minimal facilities, but significant positive changes have occurred, creating a conducive learning environment, a sense of protection, acceptance, and gender equality. They commended Late Anita Ghulam Ali for establishing an organization where women not only have opportunities to work but also hold leading positions equally.

SEF Managing Director, Abdul Kabir Kazi, emphasized that men should create opportunities for women, ensuring their potential rise to the higher positions.

Read: Investing in Women Accelerates the Progress

Kazi added “It’s time to portray ourselves as both a social organization and an enterprise. SEF has set numerous examples in the field of education, with women showcasing outstanding efforts marked by true dedication and commitment.”

Ex Caretaker Minister Education, Rana Hussain shared that SEF’s last two Managing Directors were women. “I learned professionalism at SEF, where it is cultivated; there are very few organizations where professionalism prevails,” she said.

Women from different walks of life attended the event.

Read: Digital Learning Program for Out-of-School Children launched in Sindh

_____________________

The post Framing gender-responsive financing policies for women suggested first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Staff Report

Karachi, Sindh

The Sindh Madressatul Islam University celebrated the International Women’s Day on March 8. In this regard, the Directorate of Student Affairs and Counseling of SMIU organized a female cricket tournament at the playground of the university, in which team of the Department of Software Engineering with Captain Ms. Faryal Kahn and the team of the Department of Business Administration with Captain Ms. Iqrar Aziz participated. The team of the Software Engineering Department won the tournament.

After that, a declamation contest on “Role of Mother in Perception Management” was held between the students in the Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Auditorium of SMIU.

Speaking on the occasion, university’s Dean Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto said women should be considered as human beings and should be given equal rights to men. He said gender equality is very important for the development of our society. He was the opinion that half of the population of his society cannot be neglected in any way. He also said that all kinds of violence against women and the injustices should end.

Director of Student Affairs Mr. Muhammad Naeem Ahmed in his speech congratulated the students who were successful in the cricket tournament and declamation contest and said women should have equal rights in every field of life, only with this the society can move forward. The students said in their speeches that there is a need to pay more attention to the education of girls, especially in rural areas, girls should be educated with special measures. In this way, equality and development can be given to the society.

At the end, the university deans Dr. Zahid Ali Channar, Dr. Aftab Ahmad Shaikh, Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto, vice chancellor’s adviser on academics Dr. Abdul Hafeez Khan and Director of Students Affairs Mr. Muhammad Naeem Ahmed gave certificates to the students who participated in the cricket match and speech competition. A large number of faculty members, staff and students participated in the event. Manager Students’ Affairs Ms. Zonaira Jalali conducted the event.

Read: Global Research Congress recommends making Culture & Languages part of curricula

____________________

The post Sindh Madressatul Islam Girls Play Cricket first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Staff Reporter

Karachi, Sindh

The women leading the resistance movements will emancipate society from the forces of capitalism and coercion. The women’s resistance will solidify democratic freedoms, economic autonomy, and social protection within society.

These thoughts were expressed by the women leaders of the resistance movements during the “Mehnatkash Aurat Rally” organized by the Home-Based Women Workers Federation Pakistan (HBWWF) on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8 in Karachi.

The rally, starting from Karachi Press Club roundabout, concluded with a meeting at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, where women leaders announced their demands.

On this occasion, “Nach Natak Mandli” presented revolutionary songs, banners, and cultural dances in appreciation of the efforts of women in their struggle. Thousands of women from various sectors, including political and social activists, and transgender individuals participated in the rally, raising banners and posters based on their demands. The rally was led by Comrade Zahra Khan, General Secretary of the HBWWF, Sami Baloch of Voice of Baloch Missing Persons, and Sorath Latif Lohar of Voice of Sindhi Missing Persons.

Those who spoke and attended the meeting include Hameeda Ghangroo (Awami Huqooq), Qazi Khizar (HRCP), Kami Sid (Transgender activist), Nuzhat Shirin, Sabhagi Bhell (Sindh Agricultural General Workers Union), Saira Feroz (United HBWs Union), Amina Baloch (Baloch Yajehti Committee), Hussna Khatoon (Balida fire factory association), Shama (Ali Sindh Lady Heath worker and employees union), Sara Khan (National Trade Union Federation) Hani Baloch (Zindman), Jameela Abdul Latif (HB Glass Bangle workers union), Sohni Sarang (Voice of Mssing person), Nasir Mansoor (NTUF), Wahid Baloch, Dr. Asghar Dasti, Khaliq Zadgran (Awami and others

Addressing the gathering, women leaders emphasized that the entrenched feudal system is subjecting society to oppressive ideologies, with women bearing the brunt of it. Whether in markets, workplaces or the assembly floor, women are not safe. The forces of non-democratic coercion are stripping urbanites of their freedoms, with those raising their voices against coercion facing forced disappearances and brutal killings.

The leaders highlighted that women are the most affected by the consequences of the economic policies of ruling elites, leading to widespread poverty and destitution. Women working in factories not only face unequal pay for equal work but also become victims of harassment and sexual violence. Working women have been reduced to economic slaves in the process of industrial production.

In the face of non-democratic and inhumane perspectives, state coercion, and economic exploitation, women have emerged as the most powerful voice against these injustices. It is women who have challenged illegality, raised their voices against economic coercion, and brought about revolutionary changes in society.

In the current dark era, women such as Mah Rang Baloch, Sassi Lohar, Sammi Baloch, Sorath Lohar, Fatima Majid, Zahra Khan, Saeeda Khatoon, Sima Baloch, Mehnaz Rahman, Amina Baloch, Subhagi Bheel, Haleema Laghari and Hani Baloch are leading thousands of women in resistance movements, making history.

These leaders emphasized that whether it is the issue of forced disappearances or the heinous act of murdering civilians, women are at the forefront of confronting the criminals. Lady Health Workers, Home-Based Workers, women from Sindh, farmers’ women from Okara, women leading the justice movement for the victims of the Baldia Town incident and female workers challenging the dominance of international fashion brands in the textile garments industry are becoming the vanguards of revolutionary changes in society.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, it was reiterated that various resistance movements against coercion and oppression will unite in their efforts. The demands made included:

• Ensure living wages for workers and eliminate gender-based wage disparities.
• Abolish all discriminatory laws against women, transgender individuals, and ensure an end to class and economic violence in society.
• Immediately initiate the registration of all workers in social security and pension institutions.
• Put an end to inhumane treatment of women in workplaces, and establish anti-harassment committees at workplaces.
• Take concrete actions to prevent sexual harassment and violence.
• Provide leaves with compensation for women laborers during maternity.
• Abolish the feudal system.
• Put an end to forced disappearances and brutal killings in cities, including the forced disappearance of citizens, including political, social, and journalistic activists, and ensure the recovery of those involved in this crime according to the law.
• Accept all demands of Lady Health Workers.

Additionally, there was a call for the implementation of agricultural reforms, ensuring the equitable distribution of agricultural lands among landless peasants and farming families. The leaders also demanded freedom from the bondage of the International Monetary Fund.

Read: Rally demands abolishing Anti-Women Laws in Pakistan

_______________________

The post Working Women vow to continue struggle for freedom, economic autonomy and social protection first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Umerkot, Sindh

Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) celebrated the International Women’s Day in Umerkot to honor the remarkable achievements of women under this year’s theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

The SPO, under the NCA- Norwegian Church Aid funded Faith in action for sustainable climate resilience project celebrated the day to give respect to local women and girls from Umerkot and Sanghar districts to highlight their key efforts and contribution in the society.

This day was celebrated at Tharparkar Institute of Health Sciences, with 120 participants including youth, active girls, women, civil society activists, duty bearers, and other stakeholders from the Social Welfare Department, academia, Baitulmal, and the District Administration.

Speaking on this occasion, Abdul Hameed Mughal, ADC-I Umerkot, said that women face various challenges like gender-based violence, early child marriage, and other social issue. He highlighted the importance of women stepping forward and engaging with institutions to address these issues. He appreciated the SPO’s efforts for economic empowerment to women.

Muratza Gohar Salehni, the Additional Director of Social Welfare, shed light on the invaluable contributions of women and the indispensable role they play in societal advancement. He emphasized the transformative power of investing in women, recognizing it as a pivotal pathway to empowering them on a profound scale. Through strategic investment and support, he articulated, women can be equipped with the tools and opportunities necessary to unleash their full potential and catalyze positive change within their communities and beyond. His words resonated with a call to action, inspiring all present to champion the cause of women’s empowerment and embrace the collective responsibility to foster a more equitable and inclusive society.

Aaliya Tahirkheli, Program coordinator GBV in NCA Pakistan appreciated the local efforts of women in fostering sustainability and resilience within their communities. She lauded their initiative in establishing kitchen gardens and adopting energy-efficient stoves as impactful measures in mitigating climate risks. Recognizing the pivotal role of faith actors in driving positive change, she commended the women for leveraging their influence to champion environmental stewardship.

Aaliya also highlighted the importance of women-centric policies in fostering inclusivity and empowering women to become agents of change. Furthermore, she encouraged the active participation of women in self-help groups facilitated by organizations like SPO, with the invaluable support of NCA, to collectively address societal challenges and enhance community resilience. Her words resonated as a testament to the profound impact of grassroots efforts and collaborative initiatives in building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Rizwan, Program Coordinator at NCA Pakistan, highlighted the importance of including women for building a better society. He emphasized that true progress requires the active participation of women in every aspect of development. By breaking down barriers and creating opportunities, he believes we can create a society where women’s contributions are valued and recognized as essential for advancement.

Poonam, A climate ambassador and an active member of the FACE Group, highlighted the lack of awareness among women, leading to various challenges. She highlighted that women possess many skills but need to be connected with permanent solutions. FACE is actively contributing to this cause, empowering women to earn and thrive like men. She shared her journey of work in drainage issue.

Raj Bai, the President of the Women Self-Help Group in Hema Ram Colony, shared her work and unique contributions supported by SPO in an NCA-funded project. She established a nursery in her area, generating nine thousand per month. Additionally, she installed a biogas plant to save the environment and fuel expenses. Raj Bai also highlighted her role in empowering other women in her community.

Demi, an active member of the Women’s Self-Help Group in Umerkot, revealed that she constructed an eco-friendly stove in her home and helped 250 other women in her village to do the same. Additionally, three women from Ramji Kolhi are assisting in building stoves and generating income, she added. She said that in our village, Shaguna has cultivated various vegetables in her household, including spinach, carrot, lemon, lady finger, and lemon berry trees, earn seven to eight thousand rupees per month.

KB Mehr, Assistant Director of Bait ul-Mal, shared that the institution is providing free art training to widows, orphans, and deserving women. This training includes sewing, embroidery, and computer skills, along with a daily stipend. Through this initiative, the institution aims to empower deserving women economically, enabling them to become financially independent and influential, Women enrolled in this program experience an improvement in their economic and social status within society. They leverage their acquired skills and knowledge to establish small businesses, thereby enhancing their economic livelihoods, we will coordinate with SPO to select some women and contribute for this cause, he added.

Mushtaque Kunbhar, said, I’m really happy to see the women in Umerkot standing on their own feet, just like in other developing countries. They’re growing vegetable and fruits, and planting trees at home to tackle climate change, and the district administration is fully supporting NGOs in this effort.

During the event, a group of school students put on a theater performances highlighting the importance of women’s active participation in society, advocating for equality alongside men. They also presented songs aimed at raising awareness among women about various pertinent issues.

SPO team engaged women from WSHGs to set up local stalls highlighting the roles of women, which included Energy stoves, where women constructed 1275 stoves; Nari Climate Enterprise (a rural women-initiated business under NCA-funded SPO’s FASCR project) to sell cloth bags and other recycled materials; Seed bank, where SPO introduced 47 organic seed types with the support of women and SAU campus Umerkot; Compost manure plant, where women receive technical support from SAU campus for the natural growth of kitchen gardens and trees.

Read: Working Women’s Rally on March 8 in Karachi

The SPO team under NCA funded NORAD general FASCR project awarded seven rural women who contributed to climate and other social issues and served as role models. This day highlighted the worth of investing in women and recognized their transformative power in accelerating progress and nurturing resilient communities.

The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner I, Abdul Hameed Mughal, with participation from Baitulmal, social welfare, local government, education department, academia, High schools, CSOs, WSHGs, and communities.

SPO is a national organization dedicated to social development, recognizes the pivotal role women play in driving progress in their communities. As part of our commitment to honoring their achievements, SPO highlighted the role of five active women who contributed, invested their time and energy, and succeeded. They have shared their successful journey among participants.  During the program, various stakeholders shared their ideas to empower women socio-politically and economically. (PR)

_________________

The post Investing in Women Accelerates the Progress first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Staff Report

Karachi, Sindh

On International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024, a grand “Working Women’s Rally” will be taken out in Karachi. On the International Women’s Day, the focus and main slogan of struggle is: “Women’s Resistance: For Democratic Freedom, Economic Autonomy and Social Security.”

The rally will start from the Karachi Press Club roundabout and will culminate at the Arts Council of Pakistan, where prominent women leaders belonging to resistance movements will speak to the demonstration. On this occasion, revolutionary songs and tableaux based on women’s rights and their struggles will be presented. The rally will be attended by workers, laborers, fishermen, health workers, transgender people, journalists, teachers as well as women fighting against enforced disappearances and tragic killings.

Speaking at the press conference held at Karachi Press Club on Monday March 4, Zehra Khan (Home Based Women Workers Federation), Sami Baloch (Voice for Baloch Missing Persons), Asad Iqbal Butt (HRCP), Kami Sid (Transgender Activist), Subhagi Bheel (Sindh Agriculture General Workers Union), Habibuddin Junadi (People’s Labor Bureau), and others said, on this year’s International Women’s Day, the message of millions of women across the country is that:

“We, the working women, the resistant women, who are half of the population, reaffirm on this day that our relentless struggle will continue against the shrinking democratic freedoms, increasing economic helplessness and imposed social decline. The resistant role of women in the ongoing struggle is emerging as a hope for society.

Read: International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’

The path of resistance for women emerging from the working class is long, arduous, demanding hard work and dedication, and full of unparalleled sacrifices. But for us, these are the steps towards achieving justice, a better quality of life and high human dignity and values, and these actions are scaring the enemies of women.”

“The working and resisting woman has discovered the secret that the struggle will be successful only when she strengthens her connection with the political process and the struggle for the rights of her class, the oppressed and the subjugated people, and the most important and first principle of this is resistance. Now every coming day will highlight the color of resistance.”

Read: Violence against Women and Girls is endemic in Pakistan

They further said, “We believe that the only solution to the problems of women, especially working women, and the oppressed and subjugated sections of society, is through conscious political struggle. We believe that women should have the freedom to participate in political and economic decision-making. The ongoing struggle in the country for the attainment of political and constitutional rights, the end of enforced disappearances and tragic killings of loved ones, the freedom of expression and the women leading it are all our common expressions. We women draw energy and inspiration from them.”

They said, “History is witness that when women had a significant role in economic activities, their status in society was that of an empowered worker. The economic decline of women led to the decline of society. Therefore, we believe that the economic development of women is possible only if they are provided with favorable and better opportunities for economic development. We recognize the right to protection of their economic autonomy and will continue to fight for equal pay. We will collectively strive for economic autonomy which is the key to women’s empowerment.”

Read: International Women’s Day: What is it and why do we need it?

The leaders of various organizations stated that social security is a fundamental right of women. The attainment of social security is essential for the working woman to combat the ongoing economic crisis, which can lead to some improvement in her life. Social security is a fundamental right of the working woman that protects her from economic, social and unrecognized risks, including unemployment, inflation and low wages, and inappropriate working conditions. Through social security, the working woman is helped to overcome the obstacles to economic development. Thus, it is possible to achieve economic goals and social self-reliance through one’s own labor. The provision of social security by the state makes them feel that they have a fundamental role in the development of the economy and that their work is important. The struggle for the attainment of social security will continue.

They demanded abolition of all discriminatory laws based on class, economic violence, and violence against women in the society; registration of all workers with social security and pension institutions; elimination of inhumane treatment towards women in workplaces; concrete measures to prevent sexual harassment and violence and Ending sexual violence, abduction and forced religious conversion against Hindu minority women; eliminating wage disparities based on gender and equal pay for equal work. Abolition of all forms of bonded labor; compensations for female laborers during maternity in accordance with the law; abolition of the contract labor system; end of the chain of forced disappearances, recovery of forcibly disappeared individuals, including political, social and journalist workers, and legal action against those involved in this crime; assurance of agricultural reforms, free distribution of agricultural land among landless and farmer families etc.

Read: Women entrepreneurs in Pakistan face formidable challenges

They appealed to all women, political and human rights activists to participate in the International Women’s Day rally on 8 March and express solidarity with resisting women.

Nasir Mansoor (National Trade Union Federation), Saira Feroze (United HB Garment Workers Union), Amina Baloch (Baloch Unity Council), Husna Khatoon (Balida factory fire Association), Nasira Parveen (All Sindh Lady Health Workers and Employees Union), Hamida Ghangru (Public Rights), Sara Khan (National Trade Union Federation of Pakistan), Dr. Asghar Ali Dashti, Hani Baloch (Zindman), Jamila Abdul Latif, (Home Based Glass Bangle Workers Union, Hyderabad), Saeed Baloch (Pakistan Fisher Fork Forum), Sahrish Mehmood (Nach Natak Mandli) and others were present.

___________________

The post Working Women’s Rally on March 8 in Karachi first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner inaugurated the Ladies’ Gym, other programs, and distributed awards

Larkana Sindh

Hundreds of women from different walks of life, and girls from various schools and colleges of Larkana participated in inaugural ceremony of ladies’ Gym and other colorful programs organized on Wednesday March 1, 2023 by Gomibai Ladies’ Club in connection with International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8 every year.

Commissioner Larkana Division Ghanhwar Ali Leghari and Deputy Commissioner Larkana Ms. Rabia Siyal were the chief guests who inaugurated the Gym.

A large number of children from different schools and colleges participated in different activities at the grand function including debate competitions, presenting tableaus, and musical program.

Besides, Women Development Department, Social Welfare, Health and other department of Sindh government had setup stalls while the District Health Office Larkano organized a free medical camp. Another camp was organized with the support of Deputy Commissioner Ms. Rabia Siyal and a NGO where the renowned doctors of Larkana Dr. Mumtaz Soomro, Dr. Manzoor Soomro and pediatricians conducted checkup of poor women and children.

A Mina Bazaar, with a number of different stalls including food and cultural stalls, was also setup for entertaining the women.

Addressing the ceremony, Commissioner Ghanhwar Khan Leghari and Deputy Commissioner Rabia Siyal lauded the efforts of Club President Ms. Farida Pechuho, Secretary Dr. Sakina Gaad and other office bearers for organizing such a mega program and providing the womenfolk of Larkana an opportunity to enjoy the social gathering, besides encouraging the girls of various institutions to show their talent.

Commissioner Ghanwar Khan and Deputy Commissioner Ms. Rabia also appreciated the body of historic Gomibai Ladies’ Club for maintaining the club without any government funding.

They said that the women are the beauty of every society and no society is complete without the women. They urged the women to come forward and actively take part in every field of life and work shoulder to shoulder with the men.

The chief guests distributed shields and prizes among the school and college girls who participated in different competitions. The appreciation certificates and awards were also given to those doctors, paramedics, volunteers and others who had played important role devoting their time and energy for helping the flood-affected people during the emergency situation last year.

Those who were honored include Dr. Farheen Soomro, Dr. Anila Tariq Isran, Dr. Sabreen, Dr. Shabnam Naz Shaikh, Prof. Shahida Shaikh, Dr. Shama Shah, Dr. Luxmi Kumari, Dr. Fauzia Kashif Shaikh, Shaista Hafeez Abro, Prof. Shazia Jatoi, Dr. Shazia Shaikh, Dr. Afroz Waggan, DMS Shaikh Zaid Women Hospital Larkana and others.

The senior members of club who had been serving the club in the past were also honored with Life Achievement Awards and Certificates. Those include former President Ms. Shabroz Iqbal Memon, Former President Ms. Parveen Abro, Prof. Musarat Qazi, Ms, Suraya Isran, Ms. Razia Larik, Ms, Kulsoom Larik, Legal Advisor Ms. Kalpna Devi, former provincial minister Ms. Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto, Ms. Shahida Parveen Soomro, Club Advisor Ms. Shazia Jalbani, Dr. Dayali Gul, Ms. Samina Abro, Principal Nusrat Bhutto Girls College, Ms. Rukhsana Abro Principal Little Fox School, Ms. Mumtaz Solangi, Principal Govt. Girls High School, Ms. Nuzhat Shah, Principal Govt. Girls Degree College and Ms. Samina Shaheen Sandano, of Govt. Girls High School Qambar.

Madam Sabia Soomro was honored with Special Award.

The appreciation certificates were also given to the volunteers verified by the Commissioner Larkana Ghanhwer Ali Leghari and Deputy Commissioner Rabia Siyal, and also by Assistant Commissioner Shahida Parveen Abro.

________________

The post Historic Gomibai Ladies’ Club Larkana Celebrates International Women’s Day first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Gohar Ali Memon

The Sindhiyani Tehreek (ST) was a women-led political organization formed by rural women in Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh. Created in the early ‘80s during General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, the group struggled against the notorious dictator throughout his rule as part of the wider pro-democracy movement. After General Zia’s assassination in 1988, the ST fought for Sindh’s due share of water, challenging the construction of various dams that left the province dry. The anti-dam movement continued throughout the regimes of Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif and General Musharraf. The ST’s women leaders, despite their old age, continued to resist.

But what initially kindled their spirit of rebellion? In a largely male-dominated, patriarchal and feudal society – where honor killings are rampant, female literacy in rural areas barely touches 25% and domestic violence mostly goes unreported – how could these rural women lead a resistance against Pakistan’s most notorious dictatorial regimes? And what lessons can this movement offer to Pakistan’s recent wave of feminist resistance? Indeed, can the Sindhiyani Tehreek even be called “feminist”? These are some questions I hope to address.

The Ideological Roots of the Sindhiyani Tehreek

The ST was formed by women affiliated with the Awami Tehreek, a Left-leaning Sindhi political party. The Awami Tehreek was the brainchild of Rasool Bux Palijo, a veteran leftist intellectual and politician with his own distinct political thought. Palijo distanced himself from traditional communists in Pakistan on the “national question”, and from conventional nationalists within Sindh on the question of class struggle.

Palijo’s disagreement with Pakistan’s traditional Left was rooted in Sindh’s estrangement from the monolithic policies of a federated Pakistan – a federation the predecessors to the Pakistani Left helped create. With its Adhikari thesis, the Communist Party of India supported the idea of Muslim nationhood and instructed Muslim comrades to cooperate with the Muslim League. The League was considered anti-imperialist and the right to secession was accepted under the pretext of a right to self-determination. Thus, communists conceded to both the idea of Pakistan and to the Muslim League, a party run by the feudal elites of United India. To some extent, this concession lived on in the post-Partition Pakistani Left, as issues like language and the decentralized distribution of water were not given credence in leftist discourse.

In 1954, the Pakistani government banned the Communist Party of Pakistan and imposed the One Unit Scheme, stripping the provinces of a relative autonomy promised in the Lahore Resolution. Then, in 1955, the Kotri Barrage was constructed near Hyderabad, followed by northern Sindh’s Guddu Barrage in 1962. Both dams made portions of Sindh’s land fertile. But instead of going to Sindh’s peasantry, this land was distributed among Pakistan’s non-Sindhi military and bureaucratic elites. Problems for Sindhi peasants were exacerbated by the signing of the World Bank-brokered Indus Water Treaty by Pakistan and India in 1960. The treaty spelled disaster for Sindh as it was the lower-riparian. Perennial water shortages since then have threatened the very survival of the province’s inhabitants. Combined with the language issue, which stemmed from Jinnah’s declaration of Urdu as the country’s sole national language, the loss of autonomy, and the distribution of barrage land to non-Sindhi elites, this sowed the seeds of discord amongst the province’s peasants and fanned Sindhi nationalism.

It is an irony of history that Sindh was the first province to pass the Pakistan Resolution. G. M. Syed, the leader of the Sindh Muslim League who helped pass the resolution, considered the Muslim League an antidote to the centralizing policies of Congress. However, less than a decade after Pakistan’s creation, Sindh was stripped of its autonomy. G. M. Syed was also arrested. The military dictator at the time, Field Marshall Ayub Khan, ruled with an iron fist: signing the anti-Sindh Indus Water Treaty and distributing lands of Sindh to non-Sindhi elites. He even enjoyed the support of some pro-China leftist groups within Pakistan because of his amorous relationship with the Chinese. Though a Marxist-Leninist, Palijo disagreed with those leftist groups that considered issues like provincial autonomy, water distribution, and linguistic sovereignty as regressive forms of nationalism. He believed they were foreign policy agents of Moscow or Beijing instead of genuine Marxists. They should have worked to put their own house in order, settling scores with Pakistan’s own bourgeoisie, pushing for the right to self-determination of smaller nations within their own country, before embarking upon the mission of creating an egalitarian world.

But Palijo also had his disagreements with the Sindhi nationalists. In 1966, after his release from prison, G. M. Syed thought little room was left for any open political activity in the country. So instead, he created various cultural fronts to instill political consciousness within Sindhis. Prominent among these were the Bazm-e-Sufia-e-Sindh, a cultural organization, and the Jeay Sindh Student Federation. The young Palijo was part of the Bazm.

“In a largely male-dominated, patriarchal and feudal society – where honor killings are rampant, female literacy in rural areas barely touches 25% and domestic violence mostly goes unreported – how could these rural women lead a resistance against Pakistan’s most notorious dictatorial regimes?”

The state soon realized Syed’s intentions and he was arrested again. Over the course of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s regime – when he acquiesced to Muhajir demands by making Urdu an official language of Sindh along with Sindhi, and promulgated a new constitution in 1973 that did not accept provinces as constituent states but merely federating units – Syed lost hope in the prospect of Sindhi autonomy within Pakistan. He formed Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz, which promoted the policy of “Sindhudesh”: that is, complete secession from Pakistan. Palijo, however, disagreed with Syed. Without the support of the proletariat and peasant mass base, and without a revolutionary program and a vanguard party, this policy, he believed, would end in disaster. Palijo believed that a cultural movement relying largely on students, as Syed’s movement did, had its limitations. Without a mass base, the nationalist movement would be hijacked by feudal and other elite classes, and possibly crushed by the state in its infancy.

“Though a Marxist-Leninist, Palijo disagreed with those leftist groups that considered issues like provincial autonomy, water distribution, and linguistic sovereignty as regressive forms of nationalism”

In response to these prevailing Left and nationalist currents, Palijo and his Awami Tehreek presented the program of a “National People’s Democratic Revolution”. The program was nationalist, since they believed in the national rights of Sindhi people, socialist and democratic because they rooted themselves in a proletariat/peasant mass base and engaged in class struggle, and revolutionary because they did not believe in parliamentarianism or bourgeois reformism. In this, Palijo was inspired by communist currents in the anti-colonial movements of China, Algeria, and Vietnam. After creating the Awami Tehreek in March of 1970, Palijo introduced Marxist-Leninist ideas in Sindh, wrote books on Ho Chi Minh and Mao, and even translated those communist texts essential for building a revolutionary nationalist organization. He thought that history had put Sindh in a sensitive position, where its people had to combat both the neo-colonial designs of the Pakistani state and Sindh’s corrupt feudal elite. It was therefore necessary, Palijo believed, to build a movement that was both nationalist and revolutionary socialist.

This movement, Palijo also insisted, should include women.

With this program, he started organizing women in and around his home in Jungshahi, a small rural town in the Thatta district of Sindh. Women of his clan, in particular, participated in demonstrations, protests, and programs organized by the Awami Tehreek. When One-Unit was lifted and new elections announced, Palijo agitated for publishing voter-lists in Sindhi. The voter-lists were published only in Urdu, another reiteration of the old language bias that haunted the smaller provinces ever since Pakistan’s inception. Akhtar Baloch, Palijo’s step-daughter, was a key leader of the agitations around voter lists. She was arrested by police and put behind bars. Her collection of prison notebooks, Prison Narratives, were recently translated and published in English. Baloch was one of many women ideologically trained and inspired by Palijo and Awami Tehreek. Most of these women came from rural Sindh and would go on to form the ST in the early ‘80s.

Sindhiyani against Martial Law

In 1979, Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged by the Martial Law administration of General Zia-ul-Haq. That year, General Zia also enacted the Hudood Ordinances, a series of laws that instilled Shariah injunctions into Pakistan’s Penal Code. One of its most controversial aspects was the Zina ordinance, which outlawed extra-marital sex. The ordinance was particularly harmful for women as they lost their legal protection against rape and sexual assault. Under the new law, a sexually assaulted woman had to produce four witnesses in court to testify that the assault took place. If no witnesses could be found, the woman herself would then be accused of extra-marital sex and face rigorous imprisonment. She could even be stoned to death.

The Zia regime then went even further in its Islamization (and essentially anti-women) program. A separate court named the Federal Shariat Court was established in 1980 to deal with affairs related to Sharia laws. In 1984, the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order was passed, which reduced the testimony of a woman in court to half that of the man.  Zia even ordered that women could only appear on TV with a headscarf.

It was against Zia’s misogynistic program that the Women’s Action Forum, an urban-based women’s movement, was formed. The emergence of this group was contemporaneous with the ST, whose mass base, in contrast, was largely rural women. A year after the formation of the ST in 1982, the anti-Zia Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) began. Although spread across Pakistan, it was in Sindh that the movement had its greatest appeal. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party, now led by Benazir Bhutto, along with Awami Tehreek and other secular democratic parties, mobilized people across Sindh. The ST participated in the movement with full vigor. People from small towns and villages in Sindh came out to demonstrate against the dictator. It was in Sindh that people confronted army vehicles with empty hands and bare chests. Many protesters were beaten, tortured, and thrown into prison. Many of the Awami Tehreek’s members languished in jails, their families awaiting their return.

The ST continued to organize, especially by mobilizing women related to the (mostly male) incarcerated comrades. Women comrades like Shahnaz Rahu, daughter of the Awami Tehreek’s peasant leader Fazil Rahu, and Ghulam Fatima and Hoor un Nisa, both sisters of Palijo, started visiting the homes of their incarcerated comrades, encouraging their families to join the struggle. The ideologically trained women of the ST had immediate success in the project. Many women from Sindh’s rural areas participated in the MRD from the platform of the ST.

Hoor Palijo, the ST’s founding member, was assigned the task of organizing women for demonstrations. She even prepared them for the arrests they would most likely court by protesting. Hoor especially took advantage of the classroom to mobilize. She was a college lecturer in Thatta District and, after holding classes, would take her female students and others on a train to Hyderabad to attend protests in the city. Prepared for the likelihood of arrest, women even brought their jail-bags along. The ages of women protestors varied between the young and old. Several women, including Kulsoom Palijo, Shabnam Palijo, and Marvi, were even 6th grade students.

It was an everyday routine for Hoor and her comrades to prepare women for the demonstration at Hyderabad. In Hyderabad, these women were joined by women comrades from other rural towns like Larkana, Sukkur, Badin, Sanghar, Khairpur, and Dadu. In jail, Sindhiyanis, as they were called, were not desolate and weary souls. They kept their revolutionary fervour, singing revolutionary songs, organizing study circles and chanting slogans against General Zia. In a feudal society, where women are considered inferior to men, where they are expected to be meek and passive, the ST was a thunderbolt. It gave rise to revolutionary women who courageously fought to fundamentally transform society. Their fortitude and daring to take risks can be gauged from this incident narrated by Hoor:

As per our routine, we were coming back to Jungshahi from Hyderabad via train. At the station, we noticed some suspicious movement of army soldiers. I had this thought that they might have come to arrest us. We were not terrified, absolutely not, but it was against our party policy to get arrested in some dark train corridor with no witnesses, and no one to resist and agitate on the ground. We boarded the train, and so did they. We were in the same cabin. We had already chalked out the areas between Jungshahi and Hyderabad, where in case of an emergency, we would disembark and stay. There was a station named “Latif Chang” on the way. We were in a state of indecisiveness due to the presence of the soldiers in the same cabin. We thought that the station had come and all 17-18 of us jumped out of the moving train, and fell at a distance from each other. With injured limbs, we held on and reached a village. The villagers, with their values of hospitality, tried their best to be hospitable to the injured women but their material inadequacy was a stumbling block in their zest of cooperation. There was only one cycle in the village and God knows how we transported the injured to the main road one by one. 

In 1984, Benazir Bhutto went into exile. Palijo and his ally Fazil were arrested. The pace of the movement slowed. But in 1986, it began to gain ground again. Although on her return in 1986, Benazir Bhutto declared that she did not believe in the politics of revenge and wanted to peacefully restore democracy, the military regime’s paranoia did not end. Many continued to be arrested. Sindhiyanis were yet again at the forefront, protesting for the safe release of all political prisoners, including their leaders who were incarcerated in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail. General Zia’s grip weakened further, but before he could be formally ousted, he was killed in an air crash in August 1988.

Anti-Dam Movements

The problems plaguing the Pakistani state since its inception have continued to express themselves in one form or another. The language issue remains unresolved till this date, and provincial autonomy has dwindled at the hands of both dictators and civilian advocates of centralization (like the current Imran Khan government). Likewise, the equitable distribution of irrigation water – or the dam question – is still a source of resentment for many Sindhis.

After the signing of the Indus Water Treaty in 1960, Pakistan sold three of its six rivers to India and planned to build dams and canals with that money. Pakistan’s remaining rivers suffered reduced flow as water was channeled into large reservoirs. Tarbela Dam, for instance, was created out of the Indus while Mangla Dam was created out of the Jhelum River. Sindh suffered further reductions to its only source of water, through projects like the Chashma-Jehlum Link Canal. This canal was originally built to store floodwater, but remains filled even in normal times, creating perennial water shortages in Sindh.

With its economy largely dependent on agriculture, Sindh has repeatedly protested against further cuts on the Indus River. The proposal for the Kalabagh Dam, a dam proposed to be built on the Indus River in Punjab’s Mianwali district, has been met with especially strong disapproval in Sindh. Anti-dam protests have, however, fallen on deaf years. Elites argue that dams are necessary for the production of hydro-power and development more broadly, a discourse widely peddled by the national media.

“[Palijo] thought that history had put Sindh in a sensitive position, where its people had to combat both the neo-colonial designs of the Pakistani state and Sindh’s corrupt feudal elite.”

Discourse in favor of the Kalabagh Dam entered the mainstream in late ‘80s. Palijo started mobilizing people against it and the Sindhiyanis soon joined the movement as well. Sindhiyanis participated in long marches. In sweltering summer days, they walked on foot, with their children hanging around their waist. The same revolutionary fervour was back. This movement was so overwhelming that it also brought Benazir Bhutto (then a former Prime Minister) into the fold. In the late ‘90s, she joined one of their protests in Obauro, a small town in Ghotki. In another instance, Benazir Bhutto came to welcome the Long March in Karachi, which had started off from Sukkur. Zahida Shaikh, Palijo’s late wife and leader of the ST, has noted that “when Benazir Bhutto saw the large crowds of women lining up against the Kalabagh Dam on the streets of Karachi, she asked Palijo ‘Is this a women-only march?’ To which, Palijo replied ‘It is led by women. On your way to the airport, you would see that hundreds and thousands of Sindhis have lined behind their brave sisters’”.

The Kalabagh Dam discourse gained pace during General Musharraf’s regime. Not long after ousting Nawaz Sharif in a coup in 1999, General Musharraf inaugurated the “Greater Thal Canal” project, which proposed to build a canal to the Thal Desert from the Indus. In response, people in Sindh launched another anti-dam movement. There were long marches and demonstrations. Sindhiyanis were once again ready for the arrests; their revolutionary zest at full throttle. In the blistering summers of Sindh, they recited verses from Shaikh Ayaz, the province’s eminent poet:

Hurka halo, dheema halo,

pand paray ho, ker karay ho,

waat await, deel daray ho,

poe b piryeen jo, pand bhalo ho,

pandh bhalo miya, hurka halo

(March fast, March slow,

The walk is long, who would undertake it?

The road is weary, the miseries may swallow,

Even then, the walk for beloved is worth it,

The walk is worth it, March fast)

In her memoirs, Zahida Shaikh notes that ST was an organization of poor rural women. They did not have the resources of other feminist organizations, most of which had become large donor-funded NGOs during the Musharraf-era. When the ST participated in a peasant conference in February 2004, they were told that there would also be an anti-Kalabagh convention later. The Sindhiyanis wanted to participate, but most of them had drained their purses on their long journey to the peasant conference. Those who could afford to go did, but many others couldn’t. Many of the latter women came largely from peasant and lower middle class backgrounds. Zahida also notes that once the ST was invited to a women’s convention in India. Members were worried about passports, as many did not have them. Eventually, the ST found six to seven women who did have passports to travel. But even in participating in these international conferences, the ST remained rooted to its women-base in rural Sindh. This is the reason why they were so threatening to Pakistan’s prevailing power structure.

Because of the resistance of organizations like the ST, General Musharraf eventually had to scrap his plans to build the Kalabagh Dam.

A Women’s Organization or a Feminist Organization?

The ST is often accused of being an organization of women, but not an explicitly feminist organization. Its critics also claim that it simply followed the dictates of its parent party, the Awami Tehreek, and did not chart an independent course. This controversy revives an old debate over whether radical women should form a separate organization or a subordinate wing of an existing Left party. Should this organization take up the issues of only women or those of society at large? Should its membership be open to everyone or to people with certain ideological leanings? The Women’s Action Forum also faced similar questions in its formative years. It finally decided that it would be an independent women’s organization, dedicated largely to issues affecting women (though it has recently expanded its constituency to include the transgender community). Its membership was also restricted (at least before the inclusion of transgender folks) to secular democratic women.

“In her memoirs, Zahida Shaikh notes that ST was an organization of poor rural women. They did not have the resources of other feminist organizations, most of which had become large donor-funded NGOs during the Musharraf-era.”

If one analyzes the ST on these questions, it is clear that this organization was inspired by Lenin. In his interview to Clara Zetkin on the “Women’s Question” Lenin addressed this question dialectically. He did not believe that women should form an independent party, since this divided the revolutionary movement (and its strength) along gender lines. Nor did he believe that the party should form a women’s wing completely under its control, as this effectively disempowered women. Instead, Lenin believed that there should be an independent women’s wing within the party, which would focus on issues affecting women and bring them into the fold of the revolutionary party more generally. He was of the view that women constituted a large part of the population, and that postponing their issues until after the revolution would make them vulnerable to enemies’ plots. Also, by focusing on issues affecting women, Lenin wanted them to realize that the revolutionary party recognized their oppression and exploitation. He advocated for an independent women’s front of the party, one that would bring women into the struggle against gender and class oppression.

The ST was, in essence, such a Leninist formation. It was not completely independent of the Awami Tehreek, but was instead an affiliated wing of the party. But it had an independent working mechanism, a separate constitution, and distinct areas of operation. The Awami Tehreek, in fact, had many fronts: the Sujag Baar Tehreek (Awakened Children’s Movement), the Sindhi Shagird Tehreek (Sindhi Students Movement), and the Sindhi Girls Students Organization. All of these fronts sent their observers into the each other’s meetings, in order to see whether their activities fall in line with the party’s revolutionary program. These observers could only give suggestions; final decisions always rested with the respective front, which had what we might call a “relative autonomy”. The Awami Tehreek’s Central Committee had no power to suspend the membership of any ST member. The ST was not bound to endorse the decisions taken by the Awami Tehreek. However, the ST, like the other fronts, could not suspend its ideological affiliation with the Awami Tehreek and had to always participate in the party’s major campaigns.

Nonetheless, it is true that the ST should have expanded its program to more women-specific issues like honour killings, domestic violence, acid attacks, child marriages, and the forced conversion of minor girls. In the mid-90s, they did document incidents of honour killings and campaigned against it, but they certainly could have done more. Part of the reason for this neglect, it needs to be said, may have to do with the organization’s relationship to the Awami Tehreek. Although ST comrades did participate in the Awami Tehreek’s central committee meetings, none of them could hold any important office in the party. Issues like dams and water shortages were given political urgency by the male leadership, such that Sindhiyanis could not redirect their energies to the explicit question of women’s empowerment. But, then again, what is the demand for the equitable redistribution of resources like water if not a demand, in effect, for women’s empowerment? From this demand, Sindh’s rural women, as well as its men, had much to gain.

A Sindhiyani for the Present?

Jami Chandio, a noted political commentator and close confidante of Palijo, believes that the ST largely derived its strength from the Awami Tehreek’s strongholds. With splits and internal mismanagement within the party, the Awami Tehreek suffered huge losses. With the death of Palijo in 2018, the party lost its direction. Most of its cadre are now spread into different splinter groups and political parties. With the Awami Tehreek in retreat, the ST is in search of a direction.

In the past two to three years, Pakistan has seen huge “Aurat Marches” (Women Marches). While these marches have certainly left an impact on society and have infuriated right-wing patriarchs, they are also largely urban and middle-class, excluding many rural, peasant, and proletarian women. In a situation such as this, the ST can potentially provide a peasant base to Pakistan’s growing feminist movement, while also explicitly linking this movement to political-economic struggles over resource redistribution.

The issues for which ST Comrades dedicated their lives continue to haunt their homeland in Sindh. New reservoirs continue to be built on the Indus River, resources remain unevenly distributed, and any semblance of Sindh’s autonomy has been eviscerated, especially as it may lose its capital Karachi to the federal government. Honour killings, domestic violence, forced marriages and conversions of minors are rampant. Now, like ever before, we need a movement like the ST to prepare a new generation of revolutionary rural women.

________________________

Gohar Ali Memon teaches English Literature at a university in Lahore. He is also a member of Workers’ Resistance, a left-wing political organization based in Sindh, Pakistan.

Courtesy: Jamhoor (Launched in 2018, Jamhoor is a critical left media organization that amplifies marginalized and progressive voices from South Asia, broadly construed.)

The post Revolutionary Feminism in Sindh first appeared on Sindh Courier.