Like the rest of the world, Pakistan also celebrates International Women’s Day with great enthusiasm. This year’s meaningful theme is “Give to Gain.”
This theme conveys a profound message. It teaches us that if we provide women with equal opportunities, ensure access to quality education, and empower them, we will in return gain a strong democracy, a better society, a stable economy, and a brighter future.
Women are the foundation of any society. As mothers, sisters, daughters, and professionals, they not only fulfill their responsibilities but also nurture future generations. When we educate a woman, we are in fact educating an entire family, which ultimately benefits society. Similarly, when a woman becomes economically independent, it lays the foundation for reducing poverty.
We often think that success and progress lie only in taking, but today reminds us of a deeper philosophy — that true success lies in giving. When we give, we do not become empty. Instead, we plant a seed in society that grows and returns to us multiplied many times over.
The concept of “giving to gain” is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings. The Holy Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes that giving does not reduce one’s wealth; rather, Allah increases it many times over. This shows that when a person takes steps for the welfare of others, Allah multiplies the reward for such actions. Generosity and selflessness promote compassion, justice, and cooperation in society — values that are increasingly lacking in our communities today.
A hadith states:
اÙرْØÙŽÙ…Ùوا مَنْ ÙÙÙŠ الْأَرْض٠يَرْØَمْكÙمْ مَنْ ÙÙÙŠ السَّمَاءÙ
“Have mercy on those on the earth, and the One above the heavens will have mercy on you.”
(Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1924; a narration with similar meaning is also found in Sunan Abi Dawood.)
Similarly, the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remind us that true success and blessings lie in helping others. In another hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.”
These teachings remind us that when we use our resources, time, and abilities to serve others — particularly the poor, the vulnerable, and marginalized communities — we achieve success both in this world and the hereafter. Therefore, the message of “Give to Gain” encourages us to build a better society through service to humanity, generosity, and mutual cooperation.
It is important to understand that “Give to Gain” does not only refer to giving material things. Providing women with equal opportunities, encouraging them, listening to their voices, and ensuring their education are among the greatest forms of giving. When you help a woman stand on her feet, you help uplift an entire family. That is the greatest gain we can achieve.
Today reminds us that women are not confined to the walls of their homes. Modern women have demonstrated that “giving” is not limited to any single field. They contribute leadership, wisdom, and dedication to society. Whether in services, science, education, politics, sports, or journalism, women have made valuable contributions everywhere, and society has progressed as a result.
In Pakistan, women have played remarkable roles in every sector. In politics, the contributions of Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto, Hina Rabbani Khar, and Fehmida Mirza are widely recognized. In education and public service, figures such as Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, Dr. Nergis Mavalvala, and Dr. Sania Nishtar have made significant contributions. In human rights advocacy, Asma Jahangir, Hina Jilani, Malala Yousafzai, and Nigar Ahmad stand out. In literature, names like Kishwar Naheed, Bano Qudsia, Sultana Siddiqui, and Parveen Shakir shine brightly. In sports, Sana Mir, Naseem Hameed, and Maria Toorpakai have brought pride to the nation. In humanitarian services, Dr. Ruth Pfau and Bilquis Edhi remain enduring role models. On this day, we pay them heartfelt tribute.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has undertaken numerous initiatives to promote women’s political and social awareness in Pakistan. Its central objective is to strengthen democracy and ensure meaningful participation of women. Some of the key initiatives include:
- Women’s voter registration and awareness: FAFEN has conducted nationwide awareness campaigns to inform women about the importance of voting and the voter registration process. Women were encouraged to obtain national identity cards and register in voter lists, and special voter awareness sessions were organized in various areas.
- Promoting women’s participation in elections: Women were trained on how to contest elections, understand electoral processes, and run campaigns. FAFEN also recommended that political parties allocate more tickets to women and include them in decision-making processes. Leadership and political training programs for women were also organized.
- Protecting women’s right to vote: FAFEN identified constituencies where women were prevented from voting and raised these issues with the media and the Election Commission. Research reports and policy briefs were published on constituencies with low female voter turnout, and the matter was taken up with the Election Commission of Pakistan and other institutions.
- Observing the electoral process: FAFEN has been observing polling stations during general and by-elections and reported issues faced by women voters. Observation reports were published on women’s representation among polling staff and the facilities available to women voters.
- Research and policy advocacy: FAFEN conducted research on women’s political participation, voter turnout, and electoral barriers, and shared policy recommendations with parliament and policymakers to enhance women’s participation.
- Civic education initiatives: Civic education programs were launched for young women and female students to encourage their active participation in democratic processes. Community dialogues and workshops were also organized to raise women’s social awareness.
- Strengthening civil society networks: FAFEN collaborated with civil society organizations across Pakistan to run joint campaigns promoting women’s political inclusion. Capacity-building initiatives were conducted to enable local organizations to work on women’s rights and democratic participation.
As a result of these efforts, women’s voter registration, voter turnout, and political awareness in Pakistan have increased significantly. In recent elections, there has been a noticeable improvement in women’s participation. Women have also actively participated in local government elections and achieved success at village, tehsil, and district levels in different provinces.
FAFEN member networks and organizations are working across the country to raise awareness among women about their legal and social rights, involve them in community-level decision-making, and promote solidarity among women within communities. These initiatives represent the practical application of the “Give to Gain” philosophy — by providing opportunities to women, we are building a stronger democracy and a more empowered society.
FAFEN believes that “Give to Gain” does not only mean providing resources. It also means:
- Give respect to gain trust
- Give equal opportunities to achieve progress
- Give protection to ensure peace
- Give a voice to develop leadership
When women are included in decision-making, institutions become stronger. When women are given employment opportunities, economies grow faster. When women’s rights are protected, society moves toward justice and peace.
It is important to remember that empowering women is not a favor — it is their fundamental right. Equality, dignity, and justice are the rights of every human being, regardless of gender.
On this day, we must make a collective commitment:
- We will create environments in our homes, institutions, and communities where women can pursue their dreams without fear.
- We will prioritize girls’ education.
- We will raise our voices for equal pay and equal opportunities in the workplace.
When we give women the opportunity to move forward, we ourselves move forward as a society. When we give, only then do we truly gain.
On this International Women’s Day, let us spread the message that a strong woman is the foundation of a strong family, a strong society, and a strong nation. May Allah grant us the ability to move forward with justice, equality, and respect.
— Written by Mukhtar Javed, Chairperson FAFEN
