International Women’s Day celebrated in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In 1975, the UN named March 8 the Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace, otherwise known as International Women’s Day.
On Thursday, Pakistan took to the streets with the Aurat (Urdu for "women") March in its three major cities of Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Events were orchestrated across a country where women’s rights continue to be hotly debated.

In the capital of Islamabad, the Awami Workers Party led their own Women’s March (in tandem but not affiliated with the Aurat March), with marchers meeting at the National Press Club.
Quaid-E-Azam University organized an independent Women’s Day March starting from their campus on Wednesday. This Sunday a Women in Business conference is being held at Lok Virsa by Womenx Pakistan and the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Peshawar celebrated the day with Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University hosting a two-day event coinciding with their spring festival. The university caters to women whose visibility and movement in Peshawar is largely restricted.
Also in Peshawar, the Pakistan Federal Ministry of Information and KP Tourism Corporation highlighted the day in an inclusive and enjoyable way: a cricket match.

Similarly in Lahore, where a large leg of the Aurat March took place, universities created programs for their student bodies and faculty to participate in.
In Karachi, a number of universities highlighted the day with tailor-made events and programs. Aga Khan University held a talk on "cyber harassment," which included guest speakers and coverage on safety online and cybercrime laws.

Cyber crimes, though committed by both and women, disproportionately target women, and it was found last year that 72 percent of women in Pakistan were not aware that laws were in place to combat them.

On social media, everyone from the Pakistani government to prominent politicians and entertainers sent out messages in solidarity with women and in honor of the day.
Pakistan People’s Party organized nationwide marches with an emphasis on fighting for equality and empowerment.

2018 has been a remarkable year for women standing up in the wake of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, which erupted following the takedown of Harvey Weinstein, the producer whose alleged sexual misconduct was exposed by a number of Hollywood stars.

What resulted was a new world order where women are being encouraged, supported and are demanding change.
For Pakistan, where the standards of living for women, education for girls and rights of women are not favorable, events and marches on a day that stands in solidarity with women across the globe is a step towards change.