Aurat Azadi Jalsa demands economic, land reforms.

ISLAMABAD -- A large number of activists, including members of trade unions, gathered at F-9 Park on Sunday to take part in 'Aurat Azadi Jalsa' organised by the Women Democratic Front (WDF) and Aurat Azadi March to commemorate the 113th International Working Women Day.

In 2018, the participants gathered outside the National Press Club on the same day. Since then, they have held gatherings across the country, building solidarity networks with other resistance movements.

The WDF and Aurat Azadi March also released a communique that included resolutions for the democratisation of the country's economy, land reforms, and the return of lands, mines, and water reserves occupied by the federal government back to the federating units.

During the event, the speakers underscored that Pakistan is on the brink of disaster on multiple fronts. The catastrophic floods last year left millions homeless and bereft of any hope for survival, as the affectees suffer from hunger, disease, and extreme poverty. Meanwhile, patriarchal violence continues unabated and has established deep roots in both institutional and societal forms.

WDF President Ismat Shahjahan declared, 'The country is facing an imminent economic collapse due to capitalism, financial imperialism, and prolonged proxy wars. Nothing less than a progressive gender agenda would work, including a decolonised and demilitarised economy and state, a secular and democratic state and society, progressive taxation, and urban and agrarian land reforms. No society can progress without free education and healthcare for all; we demand an end to privatisation and huge subsidies for the elite.'

Speakers seek end to patriarchal violence, huge subsidies for the elite

Ms Shahjahan condemned the rising oppression of Baloch women and demanded the release of all disappeared people, particularly Baloch women.

Homes have become sites of patriarchal violence and femicide due to patriarchy and the culture of violence, she said.

Gulzar Begum, leader of the All Katchi Abadi Alliance and Awami Workers Party, called for the regularisation of settlements, including katchi abadis (makeshift settlements) where people from war-torn areas...