Recollection of women's struggle for rights.

Byline: Shoaib Ahmed

LAHORE -- Thought-provoking discussions on women's role in various fields were part of the concluding day of Asma Jahangir conference on Sunday.

In the session 'Politics Inspire Art and Art Inspires politics' that was moderated by former National College of Arts Principal Saleema Hashmi (panelists were visual artist Fatima Salman and writer and poet Neelam Ahmed Bashir), they discussed at length the contribution of women in art and how in oppressed times of Zia's regime women fought for their rights.

Saleema Hashmi while opening the discussion remembered the days when during Zia's regime the Women Action Forum (WAF) was launched as a reaction to oppression. At that time, she recalled, the voices of women artists emerged and Asma Jahanagir was on the forefront. And how one can forget Sheema Kirmani and Kishwar Naheed who raised strong voices against that oppression.

She then introduced Fatima Salman, an NCA graduate and a miniature artist. The artist shared with the audience the ever joyful experience of becoming a miniature artist.

She also talked about the fact that art could be a strong medium to inspire society at large.

Speakers dilate upon the contribution of women in art and how in oppressed times of Zia's regime women fought for their rights.

'I use gold work in my miniature paintings to highlight the power and prestige,' she said. She showed a painting of Asma she made as gold work. She said there should be a platform for women when it comes to art.

She also introduced Neelam Ahmed Bashir who had recently written a poem which got five million hits on social media both from India and Pakistan. Ms Bashir said she mostly wrote fiction but sometimes wrote poetry as well.

In the session 'Women Building Brides for Peace in South Asia', the panelists were Hina Rabbani Khar, former foreign minister, Fawzia Kufi, women's rights activist and prominent politician from Afghanistan, Bhavani Fonseka, Senior Researcher...