UMERKOT: Women and girls of a remote and traditionally conservative village in Umerkot observed the International Day of the Girl Child for the first time on Friday, under the theme “Innovating for Girls’ Education”.
It was an all-female affair in Shehlam Khan Banglani village. The day, dedicated to the girl child, was celebrated and attended only by women and girls, and the organisers and performers were also all female.
The event was organised by Right To Play, an international non-governmental organisation, under the aegis of UNICEF and in collaboration with the Education and Literacy Department.
The students thrilled the audience with tableaux, short plays and speeches on the importance of girls’ education.
The audience burst into sustained applause and cheering when the students performed a tableau on how the feudal system has ruined female education.
“This is the first time in the history of our village that we are witnessing such a big social gathering and observing the day,” said Shaheena Baloch, one of the participants. “We are a culturally conservative community, and women in our village are not allowed to take part in such events. The organisers were allowed to hold this event only after they assured us that no men would take part,” she added.
Ghulam Sughra, 70, who was clapping and cheering the performances, said: “I never got a chance to go to school, but I realise the importance of education for girls.”
There was fun and frolic all around, and participants could be seen wearing traditional dress.
Project Supervisor Zarqa Kunbhar said: “Education is the only way to meet global challenges.” She said Right To Play was playing a pivotal role in promoting female education through sports and play activities.
Talking to our correspondent, District Coordinator Abdul Haleem Soomro said: “Such events are mostly held in big cities under big banners, but we chose a small, remote village, not only to mark the day but also to send a message to those who are against female education.”
Gulnaz Nohri, Raz Bano and others also spoke on the occasion.