ISLAMABAD, Mar 8: More than 20 women rights and human rights organizations of Rawalpindi-Islamabad arranged a day-long gala in collaboration with Pakistan National Council of the Arts to mark the International Women’s Day on Friday.

Handicrafts made by local artisans were sold at different stalls. In addition to this, placards inscribed with different messages were also displayed at various places.

Talking about the recent positive change in the society in the form of healthy activities like social events and functions, a majority of NGO representatives expressed their satisfaction and hoped that the trend would continue in the times to come.

Adeela Khan of Aurat Foundation underlined the needs for women empowerment through information, advocacy and training, adding that the society was observing positive developments with regard to attitude towards working women.

The presence of more than 40,000 women councillors in the local government setup clearly explains optimistic change, keeping in mind that religious extremist elements were working actively in the country, she said.

In the past, women had been taken for granted, an approach that needed to be done away with to ensure women participation in national building, Aliya Tahir maintained.

Unfortunately, religion has been misquoted with regard to women rights by certain quarters of the society to safeguard their vested interests, she added.

Sameena Khan of Sungi Foundation lauded the gender- sensitive policies of the government, but criticized the delay in the proposed amendments to the infamous Hadood Ordinance, which, she said, had ruthlessly undermined women’s independence since its promulgation in 1979.

Khalida Bibi, who is running her own business with the collaboration of an NGO, had set up a stall on the occasion. She was looking confidant after having her own business and wished other women to follow the suit.

In the end, women took out a procession, with participants holding torches.