Twin cities mark International Women’s Day HRCP urges expedited efforts for ensuring women’s rights

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: The residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad celebrated the International Women’s Day on Friday.
Various events were organised in the cities to raise awareness of issues relating to gender-based violence and steps to curb this. Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with USAID, celebrated the International Women’s Day by staging a theatre play, “Inspiring Change”, at a hotel in Islamabad under USAID-supported Gender Equity Programme (GEP). The programme was held in connection with a campaign under the Gender Equity Programme (GEP) to highlight women’s issues in Pakistan. 
The play lasted for an hour and brought together various survivor of gender based violence. The performance was themed around social mindset that terms domestic violence a private matter. Theatrical performance by GBV survivors was the result of intensive training and rehearsals with GBV survivors conducted by Director Interactive Resource Centre Muhammad Waseem and choreographer Imran Nafees.
“It was like telling our story to the world. We did not have to act,” said Warda, a survivor of acid attack, who performed on the stage for the first time. “I enjoyed doing this play thoroughly. We appreciate the organisers for providing us with this opportunity,” she added. “It took us fifteen days to prepare for this play. The GBV survivors were incredible in all sense. We are also impressed with the level of confidence they have displayed,” said Director Interactive Resource Center Muhammad Waseem. The theatrical performance on IWD provided GBV survivors of Dastak and Acid Survivors Foundation with an opportunity to exhibit their talent besides further rehabilitating them.
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