Women artists display skills at various exhibitions | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Women artists display skills at various exhibitions

ISLAMABAD: Exhibitions of paintings, handicrafts, gemstone items, flowers and clothes were held separately, depicting artistic and entrepreneurial skills of women, especially from the violence-hit Peshawar and poverty-hit Gilgit-Baltistan.

The exhibition was organised by SEED — Serena’s Environmental and Education Development — department on the occasion of International Women’ Day on Monday.

The impressive exhibition of 37 small women business makers reflected the organisers’ belief that small enterprises run by local communities would provide women “access to basic rights to education, livelihood, heal and social justice”.

A walk through the exhibition was an exotic experience. It was encouraging that myriads of skills are now at the reach of women, especially in mountainous areas.

The amazing gems stalls put up by Threadnet Hunza and Rupani Foundation and the demonstration of their skills by young women artisans by sharpening and polishing gemstones impressed the visitors.

Hundreds of women were attracted by the opulent designer garments, pillows, bed sheets, gemstones, truck art, lapis lazuli art, an ancient but dying art that Mehrunnissa and Fakhrunnissa, two sisters, from Peshawar want revived.

However, the arrangements were well managed by the hotel staff and the girl guides working under the tutorship of Yasmin Ali.

But behind each enterprise was the hand of women pioneers who imparted training as well as confidence to trainers and trainees.

After lunch, a symposium was held where Saima Zaidi, author of the bestseller Bazaar-Bazaar, addressed, taking the gathering on a journey of visual representation of culture that has passed through different stages.

Architect Zarmaine Ansari, who has contributed a chapter to the book also spoke on the occasion. “We only talk about disenfranchised women or the fashion-makers, but the women who take back seats were not mentioned,” she said.

The talk show ended with a session of music and songs from Ohio girl, Dr Yasmeen Rashid, accompanied by violinist Raees, tabla player Amir Hussain and keyboard player Anis.
Source: Dawn
Date:3/9/2010