RIYADH — Members of Ladies Chapter of Pakistan Writers Club – Riyadh (PWC-LC) arranged for an exclusive session to observe UN International Women's Day, marked globally on Mar 8. It is celebrated with much fervor throughout the nook and corner of the world. The idea is to celebrate women's achievements — from the political to the social — while calling for gender equality. The 2016 theme for International Women's Day is "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality". It has been observed since the early 1900s The lady members had the following to say: Almas Mumtaz mentioned that Prophet Muhammad's Wife Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid was an ideal woman who showed the way not only to ably manage her personal life but also proved that she was a successful business woman. "Women are not inferior to men and hence I support this year's theme on parity & gender equality," she added. Ambreen Faiz Ahmad opined that women of today have proved that they can play effective role in all walks of life. "Women of the past were denied the opportunity to excel. But now it is 21st Century and women would go a long way in achieving what men can only dream of," she said. Asma Tariq mentioned that she was very excited to know that the entire world is celebrating International Women's Day with renewed fervor. She added that on this occasion she is reminded of the famous quote from Napoleon Bonaparte – "Give me good mothers and I shall give you a good nation." Dr. Rabia Amer said that woman — is a word that conjures up a lot of images in our minds and brings out varied emotions as selfless love, nurturing and caring attitude. "The ability to nurture life makes woman the most powerful and strongest being. She can play different roles with ease be it that of a dutiful wife, obedient daughter, caring mother or adoring sister," she said. Farah Ehsan mentioned that this year's theme was "Pledge for Parity". "We are proud to have a long list of outstanding woman in our history that includes: Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto, Malala Yousuf Zai, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and Nargis Mavalvala, etc.," Farah added. Madiha Malik said that the new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitude shift toward women, "Women remain almost half of any society and that she gives birth and raises the other half. With that extension she is an important entity and deserves recognition," she said. Madiha Noman remarked that women were not only a homemaker but rather a nation builder. "Today on Women's Day I would like to pay tribute to all women who have contributed in any way and have been part of this beautiful growing world," she said. Qundeel Aymen said that it is not wrong to say that woman is the real architect that raises a self-reliant society. "She is the epitome of beauty, elegance, care, tenderness, wisdom and all good qualities," she added. Reem Mufti said the United Nations is credited for internationalizing the issue by celebrating the day on Mar. 8 since 1975. "Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in recent years has been showing incredible positive changes in empowerment of women which has given opportunity to women to excel in all field. Today in Saudi Arabia women are voting and are sitting in Majlis Shoura," she added. Shaheen Javed expressed that women are soft and tender but when put to challenges she can be hard as a rock. "A wise mind would always accept the power of a woman because he very well knows that it is not wise to pick trouble with a woman," She said. Shumaila Zupash Malik is of the opinion that women are responsible for the nurturing, guiding and reforming the subsequent generations of men and women. "It is the woman who is rightly credited for instilling the character and faith into the souls of the nation," she said.
