By RSF-JKNSF
Events marking International Working Women’s Day were held across several cities of Pakistan and Jammu Kashmir, where participants highlighted the ongoing struggle against capitalist exploitation, patriarchy, and social oppression. Speakers also strongly condemned the arrests of participants of the Aurat March in Islamabad and demanded their immediate release.
They also condemned imperialist aggression against Iran, while giving no political support to the ruling clerical elite and expressing full solidarity with the people of Iran and the Middle East.
Islamabad
Participants of the Aurat March and other progressive organisations in Islamabad were detained by police ahead of a rally organised to mark International Working Women’s Day.
Nineteen women activists were detained, while 44 individuals in total were taken into custody, including 25 men. Men and women who arrived at the Station to meet the detainees were also detained.
The arrests and the prevention of a peaceful march were widely condemned across Pakistan and its administered territories, with many describing the action as an authoritarian move by the state.
Lahore
In Lahore, a study circle was organised by the Revolutionary Students Front at the office of The Struggle.
The discussion focused on Rosa Luxemburg’s article “On the Fallen Women of Liberalism.”
The discussion was initiated by Sasha Javed Malik, who spoke about women’s issues and the limitations of liberal approaches to women’s liberation.
Participants argued that the devastation produced by capitalism is visible today in the wars across the Middle East and other regions of the world. They stressed that women’s liberation cannot be separated from the broader struggle against capitalism.
Comrades emphasized that genuine liberation for women requires economic independence, which itself cannot be achieved without abolishing the system that reproduces exploitation, including the burden of domestic drudgery imposed under capitalism.
Quetta
In Quetta, a program was organised by the Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign (PTUDC) to mark International Working Women’s Day.
Women from the Balochistan Grand Alliance, the Education Department, students, and participants from various sections of society attended the event.
The program was chaired by Comrade Shakeela, while opening remarks were delivered by Comrade Pashtana. Comrade Palwasha presented the lead-off discussion, outlining the historical background of International Working Women’s Day, the challenges faced by women today, and the crucial role women will play in future struggles.
Participants shared experiences of exploitation and oppression and emphasized the need for revolutionary political organisation and struggle to confront the conditions imposed by the present system.
The discussion concluded with remarks by Comrade Zafar, who summarized the key points raised during the program.
Rawalpindi
In Rawalpindi, a seminar was organised by the Revolutionary Students Front (RSF) and the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF).
The event included a detailed discussion on women’s rights, class exploitation, and the current social and political situation. Speakers stated that International Working Women’s Day reminds us of the historic workers’ movements through which women fought long struggles for basic rights, equal wages, and a dignified life.
They emphasized that even today, due to the capitalist system and patriarchal structures, women continue to face exploitation, inequality, and oppression in various spheres of life, making organised struggle essential.
Speakers including Rehana Akhtar, Farhan, Sohail, Fauzia, Asif, and Awais Qarni strongly condemned the arrests of the organisers of the Aurat March in Islamabad, stating that the detention of women participating in the march is a fascistic act by the government.
They added that peaceful protest is the right of every citizen and that arresting women on International Working Women’s Day only proves that the state fears women’s voices.
Rawalpindi (Railway Workers Program)
A program marking International Working Women’s Day was organised on 9 March at the Railway DS Office in Rawalpindi by railway workers in collaboration with the Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign (PTUDC).
The discussion focused on the historical significance of International Working Women’s Day and the challenges faced by working women in the present period. Speakers highlighted the conditions of exploitation, discrimination, and economic hardship confronting women workers.
Participants emphasized that addressing these issues requires the organisation of political struggle by the working class and stressed the importance of building collective movements capable of confronting the systemic exploitation faced by working women today.
Rawalakot
In Rawalakot, a seminar and Iftar gathering were organised by the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF).
Speakers discussed the alliance between capitalism and patriarchy, women’s rights, class exploitation, and the current political situation. They emphasized that International Working Women’s Day commemorates the historic workers’ movements through which women fought for basic rights, equal wages, and dignified living conditions.
Addressing the arrests in Islamabad, speakers condemned the detention of Aurat March participants as a fascistic act by the present puppet government. They stressed that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right and demanded the immediate release of the detainees.
Speakers reaffirmed their commitment to continue the struggle for women’s freedom, equality, and social justice, as well as the establishment of a classless society.
The seminar also condemned imperialist aggression against Iran, describing wars waged for imperialist interests as reactionary acts carried out at the expense of ordinary people.
Hajira
A seminar marking International Working Women’s Day was organised by the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation in Hajira.
Speakers discussed women’s rights, class exploitation, and the broader social and political situation. They highlighted that the historic struggles of working women remain relevant today, as women continue to face exploitation, inequality, and oppression under the combined structures of capitalism and patriarchy.
Participants strongly condemned the arrests of Aurat March organisers in Islamabad and demanded their immediate release, stressing that repression cannot silence the voices of women fighting for democratic and social rights.
Speakers also reiterated that the struggle for women’s liberation must continue until true equality and social justice are achieved.
