A two-day exhibition displaying exquisite artworks by rural women belonging to the different parts of the country at Lok Virsa mesmerised the visitors on its concluding day on Sunday. The exhibition was arranged by different social organisations to mark 'International Day for Rural Women' highlighting this years theme "From Food and Security to Peace and Security".
More than 30 stalls were set up showcasing embellished products produced by home-based rural women artisans, which depict culture of the different of the country.
The stalls including Rural Artisan centres Chakwal, Rawalpindi, Nari Development Organisation Sindh, Benazir Welfare Society, Bacha Khan Trust Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Silk Route Handicrafts displayed a variety of things including embroidery, cushions, bags, handicrafts and other decoration pieces.
Green Circle Organisation arranged a stall highlighting the importance of kitchen gardening which will help reduce economic burden and provide fresh vegetables at home.
Shirkat Gah, Ministry of Human Rights, Rozan, Women Organisation for Rights and Development (WORD) displayed awareness material regarding women rights and legislation.
Talking to APP, a women rights activist Fauzia Saeed said there was dire need to acknowledge women role as farmers as they were too contributing in economic development of the country. She stressed the need for resource allocation at district level for women development and demanded for reviving local bodies system to empower them.
Rehana Hashmi of Sisters Trust told APP that 15 October was the day to acknowledge role of women in development of the country and "We must recognise their efforts as farmers, food providers and factory workers, and give them a respectable position in the society."
She said Pakistan was one of those countries, which mark rural women day and pay tributes to the services rendered by rural women in the country's uplift.