Daily Times

HYDERABAD: Institute of Rural Management (IRM) organised various programmes to mark the International Day of Rural Women in several parts of Sindh.

Civil society, non-governmental organisations, political figures, parliamentarians, youth activists, theatre performers and government departments took part in the colorful event titled ‘valuable contribution of rural women/girls to local and global sustainable development’ at a private hotel in Hyderabad.

Females actively participated and shared their stories along with theatre performance by Bhittai Arts Council Group to highlight and encourage the efforts and dedication of rural women in the context of agriculture development.

Speakers at the programme, including prominent women rights activist and chairperson for the provincial commission on status of women Nuzhat Shirin, MPA MQM Sabir Qaimkhani, PTI worker Aneesa Waliullah, Director Sindh Development Study Centre UoS Ghulam Ali Jareeko, renowned writer Prof Dr Ismail Kunbher, Regional Manager IRM Kashif Sidiqui and PSP worker Tasleem stressed on the need for encouraging rural women and their dedicated efforts.

Renowned Sufi singer Shah Ja Raagi recited verses of Lateef Saen in five-different melodies to pay tribute to the living soormiyun (women) of Sindh.

Rani, a rural female activist from Sahib Khan Mirani shared that parents need to stir self-confidence among their children, especially female ones, to give them a chance of building trust and having pride.

Kokay, a trans-woman driver from Hyderabad, said that the journey has not been easy for her, but she has belief and faith in her passion and the Almighty, who is supporting to pave such ways. Kokay added that regardless of age, rural women in Pakistan have been working hard to financially support their families and ensure their survival and that empowering women will eventually empower communities.

Speakers stressed that rural women make significant contributions to agricultural production, food security and nutrition, land and natural resources management, and building climate resilience and are the backbone of economic growth. “25 percent of the global population is rural women; we have to acknowledge them as entrepreneurs as well.”