Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), realising the role of women in water management and conservation, is going to organise 'Fisherwomen Convention' on March 10 at the Hyderabad Press Club. Women from different walks of life including civil society activists, rights campaigners, writers and professionals in their specific fields will participate in the convention and share their opinions to express solidarity with the fisherwomen.
PFF has linked the event to its one-week long International Rivers Day celebrations (March 7-14) and International Women's Day.
Although, the women in Pakistan have achieved remarkable success by getting stronger laws in favour of women rights, the fisherwomen have always been deprived to experience such an attainment, as they are living an isolated life of ignorance and unacceptability. PFF believes that "the earth's fresh water belongs to the earth and all species, and therefore not be treated as a private commodity to be bought, sold and traded for profit. The global fresh water is a shared legacy, a public trust, and fundamental human rights and therefore, a collective responsibility of both women and men."
The PFF rivers day celebrations have started from 7th March 2014. The event is attracting singers, poets, teachers, students, river lovers, naturalists and civil society activists.
PFF said that women played a central role in water protection, conservation and management, thus women must be central in planning for the future.
"We need to see the ways for the inclusion of women in the management of local, regional, and global water resources as it would improve the social, economic and environmental results," a PFF statement said.