KARACHI: The International Women’s Day on Saturday (today) marks another year of changing social trends and inclusion of more and more women in various fields in the country.
Women rights have been the buzzing tune in the country for a while now and the general psychology of society as a whole has transformed from a conservative approach to a more moderate concept where women are not seen as just a household commodity.
The government departments working for protection of women rights, legislation to provide women with a more secure working environment and some 101 NGOs working in the country to voice women issues have contributed towards creating opportunities for women to contribute towards the national objectives.
The first International Women’s Day was observed on February 28, 1909 in the United States, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. Among other relevant historic events, it came to commemorate the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.
The idea of having an international women’s day was first put forward at the turn of the 20th century amid rapid industrialization and economic expansion that led to protests over working conditions.
The day is also commemorated at the United Nations level and is designated in many countries as a national holiday. When women from all the continents, with ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their Day, they can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.
International Women’s Day Celebrations in Pakistan, too, have been gaining momentum for the past decade or so and we see a network of female activists and NGO’s holding rallies, marches, seminars and other such activities on the day. The government too has been taking keen interest in the celebrations of the day and conducts ceremonies inviting the leading female professionals and experts to create awareness regarding the women issues.
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