Critical Thinking Circle II- Rawalpindi Women University

The second session of the Critical Thinking Circle in collaboration with the Shaoor Foundation for Education and Awareness (SFEA) held at Rawalpindi Women University. The Critical Thinking Circle was “Gender Equity, Women Empowerment, and Challenges Faced by Women Today.”

Kicking off the discussion, Ms. Wardah Iftikhar, the Project Manager of FCTEW, provided an insightful overview of the topic. She then posed a question to the students, asking about their understanding of feminism and whether they agreed with the concept. In the safe and open environment of CTC, the students candidly shared their thoughts on feminism and how it is perceived in society.

Emphasizing that feminism is not solely about giving rights to women, but also about liberating men from restrictive gender roles, the conversation delved into the gender discrimination prevalent in society. Real-life incidents were shared, evoking emotions about the injustices faced by women. Ms. Sabohi Ali, the Senior Program Manager, addressed the challenges women encounter and offered valuable insights on coping with them.

The discussion further revealed that women empowerment holds the key to reducing gender-based discrimination and violence in society. By ensuring women’s basic rights, as enshrined in both the law and Islam, such as inheritance rights, we can combat gender-based violence effectively. Financial independence also emerged as a vital factor, with financially empowered women being less vulnerable to violence.

The students bravely shared instances of harassment they face in their daily lives. Supported by senior teachers present in CTC, they found valuable advice and support. This thought-provoking session witnessed the enthusiasm of 30 participants who actively engaged in the discussion. The students expressed their eagerness to have regular CTC sessions at the university to address real issues faced by women and find sustainable solutions.

In conclusion, the session reinforced a commitment to inspire positive change and create a better world together through meaningful work on women empowerment. The passion and determination of the students highlighted the potential for transformative impact on women’s lives and society as a whole.