Karachi, The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) recently hosted a significant poster exhibition at the Ahmed Parvez Art Gallery, focusing on the observance of Women’s Day. This event showcased posters that aimed to promote awareness and discussion on various women’s issues, coinciding with a series of Women’s Day celebrations that included conferences and other programs.

According to Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, during his address at the exhibition, highlighted the series of events dedicated to Women’s Day held at the Arts Council. He engaged in a discussion on the slogan “my body, my choice,” asserting its alignment with religious allowances for women’s autonomy, particularly in marriage choices, which he argued is often misunderstood in Pakistan. Shah also linked the economic challenges faced by the country to the underutilization of women in the workforce, noting that empowering women is crucial for household and national economic stability.

Shah praised the role of APWA in advocating for education and the arts, pointing out the expressive content of the students’ posters, which tackled themes like suppression and harassment. He underscored the competence and ambition of Pakistani women, noting their achievements and greater participation in education compared to their male counterparts. Shah’s speech also included acknowledgment of the mothers and daughters who are increasingly informed about societal challenges and the educators fostering this awareness.

In recognition of the students’ efforts and talent demonstrated at the exhibition, Shah announced a monetary award of Rs. 50,000 for the winning participants, further emphasizing the encouragement and support for young artists and their contribution to raising awareness on women’s issues through art.