ISLAMABAD: A large number of activists, including union members, gathered at F-9 Park on Sunday to participate in the ‘Aurat Azadi Jalsa’ commemorating the 113th International Working Women’s Day, which was organised by the Women Democratic Front (WDF) and Aurat Azadi March.
On the same day in 2018, participants gathered outside the National Press Club. Since then, they have held rallies across the nation, forming networks of solidarity with other resistance movements.
In addition, the WDF and the Aurat Azadi March issued a communiqué that included resolutions for the democratisation of the country’s economy, land reforms, and the return of lands, mines, and water reserves occupied by the federal government to the federating units.
The speakers at the event emphasised that Pakistan is on the verge of disaster on multiple fronts. Last year’s catastrophic floods rendered millions of people homeless and without any hope of survival, as they now endure hunger, disease, and extreme poverty. Meanwhile, patriarchal violence persists unabated and has firmly rooted itself in institutional and societal forms.
WDF President Ismat Shahjahan stated, “The nation faces an imminent economic collapse due to capitalism, financial imperialism, and protracted proxy wars.” A progressive gender agenda, including a decolonized and demilitarised economy and state, a secular and democratic state and society, progressive taxation, and urban and agrarian land reforms, is required for success. Without free education and healthcare for all, no society can advance; we demand an end to privatisation and massive subsidies for the elite.”
Ms. Shahjahan criticised the escalating oppression of Baloch women and demanded the release of all disappeared individuals, especially Baloch women.
As a result of patriarchy and the culture of violence, homes have become sites of patriarchal violence and femicide, she said.
Gulzar Begum, the leader of the All Katchi Abadi Alliance and the Awami Workers Party, has called for the regularisation of settlements, including katchi abadis (makeshift settlements) where refugees from war-torn regions, feudal heartlands, and impoverished villages seek refuge.
She stated, “Not only are our katchi abadis drowning in floods, but also in the sea of inflation.”
She demanded a reduction in the cost of daily necessities and reforms to urban land in order to create housing for the working class.
Anam Rathore, the gathering’s organiser and co-founder of Climate Action Pakistan, stated, “The intertwined nature of the economic and climate crises has left many of our people at the mercy of nature and in a state of apathy. We must eradicate the colonial model of river management, which cannot be accomplished without addressing the state’s flagrant indifference.”
Farzana Bari, a leader of the AWP, remarked, “We must acknowledge the interconnected nature of these crises and the various forms of chronic oppression and exploitation women face.” We must continue to work together to create an egalitarian society.”
In addition to the criticism of “imperialist borrowing from international financial institutions,” excessive military expenditures were also criticised.
Pakeezah, a member of WDF, drew attention to the growing transphobia against the transgender community, citing a “dark disinformation campaign that puts them in grave danger.” “We must continue to build cross-movement solidarity in order to sow the seeds of a feminist politics that is pro-people.”
Dharti ka Dum Ghuttha Hai, an art performance, was also included in the programme. “Our survival and evolution towards a humane sociopolitical system are inextricably tied to our collective responsibility to realise climate justice based on socialist principles. Areej Hussain, a member of Laal Hartaal, stated that the creation of more left-leaning political art is urgently required.
