ISLAMABAD: The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) began at Nomad Gallery on Monday with an exhibition of posters of iconic women from Pakistan followed by a discussion about their contributions to the struggle for women’s empowerment, democracy and human rights.

Women’s rights activists and members of civil society narrated stories of courage and struggle and recited poetry about the difficulties facing Pakistani women.

The posters by noted artist Khuda Bux Abro, popularly known as K.B. Abro, featured former prime minister Benazir Bhutto – the first female prime minister from the Muslim world, renowned human rights and democracy defender Asma Jahangir, poets and activists Fahmida Riaz, Kishwar Naheed and Nasreen Anjum Bhatti, social media icon Qandeel Baloch, Punjabi and Sindhi folk singers Reshma and Mai Bhagi, Attiya Dawood, Sheema Kermani and Perveen Rehman.

The exhibition was followed by a panel discussion featuring Senator Sherry Rehman, Lt Gen Talat Masood, Irfan Ahmed Urfi, Kishwar Naheed, activists Nasreen Azhar and Tahira Abdullah, journalists Sadia Bukhari and Shazia Abid and the host, Nageen Hyat.

The speakers recalled the struggle and sacrifices of women such as Bhutto and Jahangir, describing them as symbols of courage and resistance for generations to come.

“It is very rare to find highest qualities of character, courage, commitment and perseverance in one person. Asma and BB embodied all these qualities which were also strength to their personality,” Mr Masood said.

Sadly, he added, great personalities of this country have gotten recognition abroad first and later in their own country. He said the violation of human rights was one of the greatest failings of Pakistan because of weakens institutions and weak democracy.

Ms Abdullah described Jahangir as a symbol of hope and resistance for the voiceless and downtrodden, who always stood against social injustice and supported marginalised segments of society by pleading their case on the streets and in court.

Ms Naheed and Mr Urfi spoke about Riaz and Ms Bhatti, while Senator Rehman recalled her fond memories and association with Bhutto, saying she was fearless and courageous to the core and was a guiding personality for the women in politics.

The panellists also spoke about Ms Naheed’s contribution to the Pakistan feminist movement and literature. Ms Naheed recited her poem Hum Gunahgaar Aurtein as well as a new poem for Nimrita Kumari, who was raped and murdered in her dormitory in a medical college in Sindh last month.

Ms Bukhari spoke about changing scenario of gender identity in the context of Qandeel Baloch’s tragic death.

“She pushed the boundaries standing against status quo and obscurantism; and subsequently, as happens in South Asia with such women, she was killed by her brother for honour,” she said.

She added that the second remarkable change Pakistani society has witnessed is the debate on gender identity following the Aurat Azadi March.

Shecalled for redefining honour, adding that one of every five women killed in the name of honour around the world is from Pakistan.

During an introductory speech, Ms Hyat detailed the activities to be held during the 16 Days of Activism until Dec 11.

November 25 marks the beginning of the16 Days of Activism, an international campaign against gender-based violence. Initiated in 1991 by activists, the campaign aims to eliminate violence against women in its many forms and advocates recognising women’s rights as human rights.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2019