Baloch Women’s Forum (BWF) held a gathering in the provincial capital Quetta on Sunday where the participants discussed the historical role of women in Baloch history, culture and society. The participants said in ‘war-stricken’ Balochistan, women need to cooperate to assist those affected by violence.
According to the details, the gathering was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, the participants discussed the role of Baloch women in the history, culture and society of the Baloch nation. In the second phase, the participants were briefed on the necessity and importance of a women’s forum in Balochistan. In the final phase, the participants asked questions about the issues facing Baloch women and the future conduct of the Baloch Women’s Forum.
The participants discussed the important role of women in the Baloch society from the 7000-year-old Mehrgarh civilization to the more recent times. They said that despite countless historical ups and downs, women still hold an important niche in the Baloch society.
The participants said that during the 400 year period between the 14th and the 18th century, the Baloch women were a part of a ‘civilized’ society – they lived openly in Gidans (makeshift camps) without fear. But in the past century and a half, Baloch women have lost their status, and they suffer from “state oppression” in the current Baloch society.
They said that Balochistan is now a ‘war-stricken zone, and the establishment of a women’s forum is indispensable to aid the women heavily affected by the violence in Balochistan.
The participants discussed the objectives of the forum at length and stressed the need to unite the Baloch women on a joint front to where they can struggle for their rights.