National Women at Work Festival begins at Rawalpindi Arts Council

The fourth National Women at Work Festival kicked off here on Monday at Rawalpindi Arts Council with a vigil to celebrate the historic struggle of women for the democracy and their dedicated work for the socio-economic uplift of the society. The festival is an annual advocacy and outreach event of the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) to commemorate the International Women Day.
Maryam Mushtaq, one of the participants of the vigil, while talking to this scribe said, "It is a symbolic ceremony to show our gratitude and respect to the great contribution and struggle of our leading women that has set our society to move on the path of progress. Our women have significant role in the social and economic development too, we shall appreciate their efforts and pledge to continue the tradition with enhanced zeal and zest."
Maira, another participant, was of the view that most of the women's work is not counted in terms of money through it has much monetary value. The society should give women fair chance to work and prove themselves beneficial for their own and for their families.
In her message, Senator Najma Hameed said, "Women's work cannot be undermined. They have significant contribution right from their homes to national democratic governance. In many cases, the role of women has been much better than their male counterparts in the parliament and many other sectors. Women play major role in agriculture and cottage industry, health and education. While celebrating the International Women Day, we shall also remember the historic struggle of women against tyranny and dictatorship."
Munir Ahmed, Executive Director Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) and the founder of the festival said, "Women's work is vital for a fast-paced development in all sphere of life. We need to give all possible opportunities to women to express their skills and potential to prove to be a vibrant and active citizen. The women shall also take care of the social and ethnic values while going out of their homes for work." He further said the women have played extremely rewarding role right from the independence of Pakistan to its democratic development and economic growth.