Int’l Women’s Day: Aurat March to hold rally sans NOC

ISLAMABAD: International Women’s Day is being observed today (Saturday) worldwide, including in Pakistan.

This year’s theme is “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The day is marked in Pakistan to highlight women’s rights and their role in society.

In Islamabad, Aurat March will hold a rally from the National Press Club to D-Chowk, despite not receiving formal approval from authorities.

To respect Ramazan, the organisers have decided to keep the event simple, avoiding music and festivities. However, Dr. Bari stressed that they cannot forgo their right to observe Women’s Day, which is held only once a year.

Participants will gather outside the Press Club at 1 pm and plan to march towards D-Chowk around 4 pm.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the organisers highlighted their six-year struggle to obtain an NOC, stating that their right to protest and safety has been repeatedly denied.

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The letter also mentioned past violence against organisers by religious groups and police, which, they said, paints a negative image of women’s rights in Pakistan at the global level.

The first International Women’s Day was observed on February 28, 1909, in the United States, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. It also commemorates the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.

The idea of Women’s Day emerged in the early 20th century during a time of industrialisation and economic expansion, which led to protests over working conditions.

The day is also recognised by the United Nations and is a public holiday in many countries.