The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2017 at Gomal University, D. I. Khan. A large number of students and faculty members from various departments of the university attended the event.
Dr. Akhlaq Awan, Head of Department, Pharmacy, Gomal University opened the session with a welcome note. He welcomed Dr. Neseem Saba (guest speaker), Mr. Safiullah Gul (guest speaker), Ms. Farhana Kanwal (Representative CRSS), Mr. Shams Momand (Representative CRSS), students, and faculty members to the event. He shared with the participants Pakistan Center of Excellence (PACE) is a major CVE initiative by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) designed to trigger critical thinking through a discourse anchored in fundamental global values such as socio-political diversity, acceptance of diversity, rule of law and equal citizenry, as well as the rights afforded within Pakistan’s Constitution (articles 8-28). Today, the activity we are conducting here is also supported by PACE.
While sharing his views about the history of International Women’s Day, Dr. Awan said that this day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to actions for accelerating gender parity. International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without any division, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labor movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe. It is a day to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. He said that we are honored to have Ms. Naseem Saba (Gynecologist and Professor at the Medical College) who will share her story of how she struggled to come out of the tribal system and play her role as a role model for other women of her community. We are also pleased to have Ms. Farhana Kanwal, Project Coordinator CRSS with us and providing financial and logistic support to celebrate this day at the campus of Gomal University.
With this short introduction to the program, Dr. Awan invited Mr. Shams Momand, Regional Head, CRSS Peshawar to share the work CRSS is being doing in the sphere of equal citizenry.
Mr. Shams Momand shared that CRSS is Pakistan’s first think-tank of its kind founded by civil society activists, committed to the cause of independent research and nonpartisan analysis to help people in and outside Pakistan better understand this nation of 180 million. The Center aims to contribute in building a Pakistan where every citizen has the opportunity to progress as far as his or her talent can take him or her. We believe in, and promote good governance, rule of law, accountability, and independent judiciary ´ elements that are fundamental to the country’s political and economic progress. Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) strives for a democratic Pakistan where all inhabitants are acknowledged as equal citizens without any racial, ideological, ethnic, religious, or sectarian discrimination.
CRSS strives to work on the following focus areas: Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law, Accountability, Security, Energy, Media Advocacy, Counter-radicalization, Regional Conflicts, Freedom of Media and Expression, and Human Rights. CRSS is committed to attain its goals through various methods such as:
- Radio programs
- Capacity building training
- Research reports
- Television shows
- Cross border projects
After the presentation by Mr. Shams, Dr. Akhlaq invited Mr. Safiullah Gul, a suicide bomb survivor and Bureau Chief Dunia News, Peshawar to share his views on women’s role in media.
Mr. Safiullah Gul started with a presentation with critical analysis of women’s role in media. He referred to a survey about the news covering the women issues. He said that only 10 – 15 % coverage is given to women’s issues; women are only limited the entertainment section and crime stories. There is very rare coverage of successful and progressive women of our society. There is a use of inappropriate and absurd language if they ever discuss or cover any story of a women. When we talk about women representation in the newsrooms, you all wil be surprised to know that 73% men are there in newsrooms. It is obvious from this number that the issues related to women are given least importance. Women are always presented as objects in TV commercials and serials; showing their appearance without any logic.
He stimulated the discussion saying that women are portrayed as a symbol of entertainment and cunningness in the media. But when we critically look at the roles women are playing in our surroundings, does that really stands with the standards of humanity. Rape victims are shown and the media manipulates their status. According to the media, they try not to show the victim’s identity but no one knows that what they are going through with this exposition to the media. Can our media portray the real picture of the pain they are suffering from? We, as a nation, need to be sensitive towards women issues and their role in our society.
Ms. Naseem Saba coming from North Waziristan shared her story from her early education to a successful professional. She said that a strong woman who taught her to be confident and assertive in her character raised her. She is successful in her career because of the support provided by her family and specially her father. Her father gave her equal opportunities of education and self-grooming despite he had to face a lot of opposition from the tribal culture they were living in. She shared that her parents were of the view that if a woman is supposed to educate a whole generation then she should be educated and confident.
Now, she is a mother of two sons and one daughter and she tries to provide equal opportunities to them. She shared that women should be educated and empowered because they have to deal with the chores inside and outside the home. If she is not empowered, she will always be dependent on others and that is not fit for the development of a progressive society. She is the constructor of a society and she can only be able to raise generations who are regarded as good humans as well as good citizens if she herself is considered as equal human being with equal rights and opportunities.
Later on, Vice Chancellor of the Gomal University wrapped up the session with a short speech saying that difference of opinion is always there but we all are of the same thought that women should be treated equally.
In the development of the human history, I don’t consider a woman was ever less than a man in any way. If you start from the times of Holy Prophet until now, the contributions is very good and recognizable. If each one of us starts changing their behaviors towards women and recognize the role and contribution of them in our lives, we are not away from the day when women will be equally educated and provided with equal opportunities by all of us.
He said that I am grateful to CRSS for coming to our university and creating awareness on the women day among our students.