Civil society activists slam 'hatred-based propaganda' against women.

KARACHI -- Members of civil society, human rights organisations, women's rights activists and women workers addressed a press conference at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) here on Thursday to condemn the 'hatred-based propaganda' against women and announce a big rally of women workers on International Women's Day.

Zehra Khan, general secretary Home-based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF), Nuzhat Shirin of Sindh Commission for the Status of Women, Nasira Perveen of All Sindh Lady Health Worker Employees Association, Saeeda Khatoon of Association of Baldia Factory Fire Affectees, Saadia Baloch of Women Rights Defenders, Saira Feroze of United Home-based Garment Workers Union, writer Hani Baloch, student leader Elsa Kazi, Karamat Ali of Piler, Asad Iqbal Butt of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, and Comrade Zubair of Awami Action Committee were of the view that reactionary and undemocratic forces, who are afraid of the concept of women empowerment, have started a hatred-based propaganda campaign against women.

'These negative elements are against progress and empowerment of women in society. Recently, these elements have started threatening to stop the Aurat March by force. Moreover, some district administrations are refusing to give permission to women marches on the pretext of coronavirus,' said Zehra Khan.

'In every democratic society it is the right of the citizens to express their view and highlight their problems in a peaceful manner. We appreciate that the Lahore High Court (LHC) in a recent judgment has accepted this right of the citizens by upholding the Constitution,' she added.

The media was informed how leaders of HBWWF are getting direct and indirect threats and being asked not to organise and hold programmes and marches on Women's Day. They said they have already communicated to the authorities concerned about these threats. But they said that despite the threats and dangers, thousands...