Women have come a long way since the very first International Women’s Day observed on 28 February 1909 in the United States, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America.

For Pakistan, equality means women and men sharing in the responsibilities and obligations, as well as in the opportunities and rewards, of life and work. In the new scenario of Pakistan, the  leadership is key across society - from the private sector, to governments, to the general public - for people of all origins, generations and backgrounds to participate fully in our country's economic, social and democratic life, and ultimately, in improving the state of the world.”

Although today in Pakistan we have more women than ever before holding government seats and working as corporate officers.

We all know:

“It is obligatory for both men and women to get education”

Our Religion ISLAM tells us the way of living a prosperous and peaceful life by enjoying the blessings and teachings of ISLAM in its true essence. But we abruptly mould those for our personal interest. The Orders of Allah and the teachings of Our Beloved HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W) teaches us not to be divided, not to create panic, not to kill, not to see your personal interest. Islam teaches us brotherhood, quality and justice which are the right of both men and women.

So it’s now up to us, these religious extremists are continuously destroying the image of Islam. They kill women, they raped them, they sell them, they burnt them alive, and no one is there to stop them. We can just celebrate Women's day once an year in our Urban Areas, but no one have guts to go and visit those rural areas and ask those extremists what reason they got. I think if we still do not take any step against those forces then we would be considered as a part of them, and by doing this we are exploiting the name of Islam.

                                                                                   Nadeem Ahmed Jamal