The first national Change Makers Assembly of Pakistan was held in Bahawalpur on March 28 and 29, 2009. It was jointly organised by Oxfam and the allies of ‘We Can’. More than 600 Change Makers from all over Pakistan participated in the event along with alliance members, university students, policemen and policewomen, doctors, lawyers, teachers and local folk artists.

The open-air hockey stadium where the event was held was filled with brightly coloured canopies and stalls. Allies and Change Makers from each province set up colourful displays of ‘We Can’ posters and other published material. On one side of the stadium hundreds of colourful flowers were arranged in the pattern of ‘We Can’ adding colour and festivity to the venue.

On the first day, unprecedented rains took everyone by surprise but it did not dampen the spirits of the Change Makers. Performers from Sindh, dressed in traditional bright orange clothes, entertained the participants with music instruments. Change Makers from other regions joined in and performed around the podium.

The formal launch was set in motion when the weather cleared. Anis Haroon, Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women, presided over the day’s events as the chief guest. The opening ceremony began with the release of colourful balloons and pigeons in the air. A cultural rally of Change Makers, allies and guests followed. Another highlight was the dandiya performed by participants from Punjab. Many others raised slogans of ‘We Can’ and some Change Makers lso posted their personal stories of change on the Wall of Change.

On behalf of Oxfam, Fatima Naqvi (Acting Country Director, Oxfam) welcomed the attending participants and guests. Dr.Farhat Shiekh (Manager EVAW, Oxfam, shared the objectives and strategy of the campaign and its outreach. Speaking on the occasion, Anis Haroon said that in the last 60 years the country has seen the negative consequences of gender bias and violence. It is important that attitudinal change be bought fast, she said. She said she was heartened to see so many Change Makers and felt it showed up the strength of the campaign.

Malik Zahid (Tehsil Nazim - Bahawalpur) stressed the fact that violence against women is a crime, whether carried out within homes or outside. He added that there are almost 33 per cent women in politics and assemblies and they can bring about a lot of change. He advised the Change Makers to approach local government representatives in their area and involve them in the campaign. Rukshanda Naz (Director, Aurat Foundation) reflected upon the current situation of violence against women in Pakistan and shared some recent statistics from all four provinces.

Akil Mohammad from Nowshera (NWFP) and Asma Bibi (Muzzafargarh) were the two Change Makers selected to share their stories. After lunch, a young theatre group from Multan performed an interactive play on the issue of women’s right to education and on forced marriages. The afternoon session was presided over by Justice (R) Majida Rizvi.

Dr. Farooq Khan a renowned Islamic scholar gave an enlightening talk on ‘Extremism and Women’s Rights’. He explained that Islam promotes love and harmony in all relationships and does not allow violation of any person’s rights or violence against anyone. Justice Majida Rizvi gave an in-depth talk on ‘Women’s Rights according to CEDAW, UDHR and the Constitution’. She highlighted the fact that Articles 8 to 30 declare men and women as equal citizens and give them equal level of protection.

At the conclusion of the session Ms. Fatima Naqvi thanked all those present and asked the Change Makers to reflect upon their personal journey of change and understand how it has affected the community in which they live. A large number of print and electronic media persons were present throughout the day and covered the event extensively.
In the evening, a cultural show was held which provided entertainment as well as food for thought. Change Maker groups from all four provinces created powerful tableaus, and put up plays and poetry recitals on issues like early marriage, sexual harassment, right to education, dowry, and other social issues. Folk musicians and performers also entertained the guests.

Second day of the event

The second day of the assembly had to be held indoors due to bad weather. Experts spoke on various dimensions of violence against women: ‘Causes and Forms of Violence’, ‘Domestic Violence and Legal Provisions’, ‘Advocacy and Networking’ and ‘Extremism and the Campaign.’

Speakers included Khalida Saleemi (Director ,SACH), Zehra Kamal (Managing Director, Rozan), Humaira Alwani (MP, Sindh Assembly), Rukshanda Naz (Director, Aurat Foundation), Zakia Arshad (Programme Manager Advocacy, SAP-Pakistan), Bilal Naqeeb, (Head of Programme Research and Outreach -SPO) and Naeem Mirza (Aurat Foundation). Change Makers benefited immensely from the knowledge and experience of these renowned experts and eagerly asked them many questions.

At the end, shields, certificates and souvenirs were distributed among guests who earned these honours. The Change Makers expressed gratitude for being given this opportunity to meet with professionals and interact with other Change Makers and gain understanding and strength from each other’s experiences.