Faisalabad: March 17, 2012. (PCP) Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) in collaboration with Global Human Rights Defense (GHRD) celebrated International Women’s Day with great enthusiasm and vigor. The theme selected for day was “Empowered Women - Strong Society “at Faisalabad. The Prime motive of celebrating the day was to mobilize women and impart them regarding their rights in order to empower their social, political, legal and economic circumstances. The number of women participated in the event. The team of lawyers, Representatives of Civil Society, Political Workers, teachers and Youth were also present. In the start, a documentary film of Mukhtar Mai( A Victim of Rape) was shown in which her struggle and bold initiatives after getting the victim of Sexual Violence was exposed to all the Participants. The motivational story of Mukhtar Mai inspired every woman present out there. A Professional theater group performed an Interactive theater which portrays the discriminatory practices against the women. The message of “Ending Discrimination against Women” was given through the theater. Uzma Sindhu (Advocate High Court), Noel Sohail (Government Officer), Roze Mary (Women Activist), Rai Naveed Bhatti (Advocate High Court) and George Clement (Ex MNA) were the Resource Persons. Roze Mary highlighted the discriminatory practices against the women’s which are taking place in rural areas for number of years. She said the culture of rural areas against women should be changed in order to improve their condition and status. She also said the practices of Karo-Kari, marriage with Quran, forced marriages, exchange of women to settle feuds and non-compliance of women’s their right is weakening their individuality and esteem. She criticized the role of males that forces imposition and serves as a barrier in every step of women’s life. Advocate Uzma Sindhu also expresses her views, she point out the positive and constructive contribution of the women in various aspects of life. She praises their greatness and immensity. She advocated that all discriminatory laws against the women should be eliminated. She said all forms of violence against women at workplace should be cutoff and the implementation of Women Protection Bill should be ensured practically instead of theory. In her talk, she urged the Government to ensure the provision of basic rights to the women according to the UN Charter. She also talks on the significance of 2012 UN theme “Connecting Women Inspiring Future” Noel Sohail said in his speech that the International Women's Day (March 8) is a day for celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. He said, the society will only get strong when women will get empowered, educated, skilled and move toward mainstreaming. However Government should increase its measure to empower the women socially, economically, politically and culturally. He also said we should alter the concept of Gender Inequality form our minds. He said we still see instances of gender inequality because the attitude has always been that the boy child is more valuable. To alter that mindset, first and foremost, we need to empower ourselves with knowledge of the natural differences, roles and responsibilities between the two genders, and to never let gender superiority come in the way. Advocate High Court Rai Naveed Bhatti also talks about the rights of women’s in the light of law and Constitution. He said, in those areas where women rights violation is at peak especially in rural areas, lots of work is required to be done on behalf of Women Rights Organization and local Government bodies. Rai Naveed Bhatti also educated the women’s of those Higher Authorities/Civil Society and Human Rights Organizations that legally and financially assist the Victimized women’s of violence, rapes and abductions. Doctor Rubina renowned Gynecologist and a Political Worker while addressing said, the Women’s are the most vital part of the society. The tag of slavery and marginalization should be halted from in order to make them empowered. In her speech Doctor Rubina acknowledged the participation and struggle of women for defending their rights. She also said commitment, loyalty and struggle is the true identification of women’s personality. Discovering their abilities will surely bring revolution in the society. She further said, the time has come when every woman should standup for their rights and fight against all stereotypes norms and cultures which are biggest hurdle in their progress and prosperity. In the end, the President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) Mr. Naveed Walter shares his thoughts on the significance of International Women’s Day and heartily thanks all the participants of the Program. 2. Rally: A Protesting Rally was also organized by HRFP and GHRD from Press Club Faisalabad to Main Katchery Bazar. . The purpose of the rally was to disseminate all reservations and concerning issues of women’s regarding their respect, protection and empowerment to the Government. The other motive was to build pressure on the Government to devise a mechanism that can ensure the rights of women’s. Professionals from different walks of life also participated in the rally. The rally was lead by women leaders, Dr. Rubina Sindhu(Advocate ),Uzma Sandhu Advocate,Rabia Advocate, Shafguta Shafiq(Advocate) , Roze Mary(Activist), Faiza Newton(Youth) and Ms Nasreen (Civil Society) followed by big number of participants including Women groups, Advocates, Social Activist, Political Workers, Civil Society and Youth. The participants of rally chanted slogans with enthusiasm and zeal. They raised slogans were Stop Violence against Women, Restore Women Rights and Women should have Equal Rights. Participants were also holding posters, playcards and banners. The awareness brochures were distributed to the participants. Representative of Print and Electronic media also took the coverage of the rally.