UMERKOT: Implementation of Child marriage restraint act, land for Thari land less women, Hindu marriage law formation and especial program on educating girls are need of empowering the oppressed segment of Sindh, urged in a conference, “Issues of women in Sindh and role of stakeholders” held at Umerkot by AWARE, a local NGO with support of Oxfam Novib to mark the women international day.
On the occasion, 10 best social activists were honored with Shaheed Mai Bakhtawar Awrad 2015. Veteran social activist Ms. Mehrunisa Laghari said that Sindhi society is dominated by feudal mind set up and they are hurdle in empowerment process of depressed segment of society especially women, minorities and poor people.
Poet and signer Juman Darbadar commented there are some laws but common people are unaware about those and oppressed people have no information of exercising their rights because the power structure is captured by wealthy people and they have such nexus by which they exploit the rights of people.
Dr Ali Nawaz Shahani shared women empowerment will come through the educating girls and creating enabling environment for women to grow.
Huma Iqbal from Oxfam shared that women day is mean just to celebrate one day but our stakeholders should realize the importance keeping in view the ground realities; the need and practices in society. She emphasized on implementation of child marriages restraint act 2013.
Karim Bux Shaikh pointed out that in Umerkot District women literacy rate is very low and there is need of initiating an especial program for rural Sindh especially.
On the occasion ten role models who have contributed selflessly for women development in Umerkot area were honored with awards in the name of Shaheed Mai Kakhtawar. Bakhtawar was a tenant women who fought with land lord for her due share from crop harvested by her family. In 1946 she was killed by feudal in Umerkot area and she is known as symbol of courage and struggle in Sindhi society. Awards were given to; Ms. Mehrunisa Laghari for her contribution of more than 40 years for women empowerment, Ms. Janki Devi against her contribution in increasing literacy rate among women, Ms. Rashida Saund for her women health initiatives, Dr. Ali Nawaz Baloch for his struggle to create enabling environment for women, Folk singer Mai Dhai, veteran social activist Juman Darbadar, educationist Ms. Aasoo Bai Kolhi, woman social activist Ms. Shahida Samoo and role model teachers Ms. Rami Bai and Sajida Aamir for their extra ordinary contribution.
The conference concluded with recommendations; implementation of Child marriage restraint act, land for Thari land less women, Hindu marriage law formation and especial program on educating girls in rural Sindh are the need of hour and Government is urged to take measures.