PESHAWAR/KHAR: The International Women’s Day was celebrated by various civil society organisations here on Saturday where the speakers stressed the need to work jointly for the rights of women to fight against ignorance, illiteracy and poverty.

One function was held at the Convocation Hall of the University of Peshawar (UoP), which was attended by singer Mahjabeen Qazalbash, Ms Bushra Hameed, girl students and faculty members. The women highlighted their significance in the society through variety of events on the occasion.

The girl students presented a drama ‘Binte Hawa’ through which they showed the background of achievements of women in every sphere of life ranging from a warrior to a passionate wife. The drama gave a silent message about the injustices in the system and lacunas in the education system of Pakistan.

The main event of the day was the women’s cultural show which depicted the daily life of Pakistani women. Pakistani women are the most resilient and can achieve anything if provided with requisite opportunities, said Farah Hamid in her speech.

Another function was held at a local hotel under the aegis of Women and Children Development Organisation where social worker Shaad Begum was chief guest. Shaad Begum stressed the need for an end to gender disparity to overcome the issues of poverty, illiteracy and ignorance.

Similarly, Awami National Party leaders, including Mian Iftikhar Hussain and Jameela Gilani, told a function that the women in Pakistani did not enjoy the rights equal to men. The ANP, they claimed, was fighting for women rights.

Another function was organised by International Human Rights Organisation at Peshawar Press Club, where speakers, including Dr Shahid Amin, stressed the need for implementation of the relevant laws to ensure protection of women rights.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser told a function on the assembly premises that media should play its role in change of behaviour regarding rights of women.

In Khar, speakers at a seminar on Saturday expressed concern over the increasing discrimination against women in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and called upon the tribal elders to make efforts for the protection of women’s rights in the region. — Bureau Report