KARACHI, March 12: Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid has underscored the need for changing the mindset of influential segments of society ultimately paving the way for an equitable system in society.

Speaking at a seminar on “Celebrating women struggle in Pakistan,” organized here by Aurat Foundation, Sindh chapter, to mark the International Women’s Day, he said that religious leaders and scholars should be involved in the campaign to get rid of bigotry mainly targeting the helpless members of society.

The former judge, who had also been once the chairman of the committee that drafted National Commission on Women Status Report 1995 - 1997, said that many of the local religious leaders were sympathetic and understanding. He said that there could be difference of perception, but the fact remained that change in the society could only be brought about by the civil society including all non-governmental organizations, groups and activists.

He agreed that there was need to motivate the pesh-imams and religio-political leaders to actually contribute towards the issue that actually affected the lives of the masses.

On the occasion, a documentary was also screened showing the struggle of women against discriminatory laws under the banner of Women Action Forum since 1970s and comments of women/judicial activists as well as religious scholars.

Candles were lit in remembrance of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, Shehla Zia, Mumtaz Nizamani, Dr Dure Shawar Syed, Saniya Hussain, Zarina Baloch, Najma Babbar, Mumtaz Noorani, Khairunisa Jaffery.

The meeting was also addressed by Dr Masooma Hussain (former ambassador), Anis Haroon, Maryam Palejo, Sasui Palejo, Uzma Noorani and Misbah Tahir. Uzma Noorani, Hina Tabbasum, Naheed Syed and Faiza Burney read out details of women struggle in Pakistan since 1981.

Nilofar Bakhtiar: The government believes that there is a great need to portray positive side of our women such as their participation and contributions in various walks of life.

This was stated in a communication by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Women Development, Nilofar Bakhtiar. “For this, they need a single platform where they can meet, discuss their issues, vocalize their concerns, celebrate their achievements, make efforts towards women empowerment and highlight their contribution in the society,” she added.

It was stated that Women’s Expo was one such platform, where over 100,000 Pakistani women were expected to celebrate their identity. She said that the women development ministry had taken the initiative by holding the Women’s Expo — the first national interactive platform for women — from April 13 to 16 at the Karachi Expo Centre.

One of the salient features of the four-day event will be the display of items that women had prepared at home or produced at cottage industries. Thus, the less privileged segment of the women workers would be provided representation as well as the due encouragement.

It was stated that arrangements would also be made to run a train from Karachi to Peshawar to display such works. Seminars, workshops as well as training sessions would also be organized during the Women’s Expo. —APP