Keeping score: Pakistan football tournament highlights women’s right to vote

Women’s teams from Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Rawalpindi played six matches over the three days. (AN photo)

• “The 2018 election is an important moment in Pakistan’s democratic journey and we hope to ensure Pakistani women play a meaningful role in it,” says Oxfam country director Mohammed Qazilbash
• “Women rights are human rights and all of us have to ensure that we adhere to our constitutional commitments and work together toward the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women," says Rukhsana Shama

ISLAMABAD: A three-day women’s football tournament celebrating female leadership ended in Islamabad on Saturday with a call to Pakistani women to take an active role in public life.
The “Play to Vote” event was a collaboration between Oxfam in Pakistan, Election Commission of Pakistan, Rising Stars and Bedari NGOs.
Women’s teams from Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Rawalpindi played six matches over the three days.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Oxfam country director Mohammed Qazilbash said the “She Can Lead” project was designed to encourage women’s participation in the election.
“The 2018 election is an important moment in Pakistan’s democratic journey and we hope to ensure Pakistani women play a meaningful role in it,” he said.

Three-day women’s football tournament organized to celebrate women’s leadership and participation in public life and to raise awareness about the importance of the right to vote. (Photo courtesy: Oxfam Pakistan)

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Additional Director General Nighat Siddique said: “The ECP is working hard to improve women voters’ turnout. We are certain that more Pakistani women will be voting this year.”
Free and Fair Election Network team leader Rukhsana Shama said the organization is working to support women’s participation in public life and sports.
“Women rights are human rights and all of us have to ensure that we adhere to our constitutional commitments and work together toward elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, minorities, transgender Pakistanis and differently abled persons,” Rukhsana said.
Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services director Zafarullah Khan said: “Sports teach us how to play by the rules and not to turn spirited competition into lingering animosity. Through sports such as football and meaningful participation in politics, we can create cohesive communities where women play an equal role.”
Pakistan captain Hajjera Khan said that when more women are seen in parliament, more women will also be seen on the nation’s sports fields.
“If women are in positions of power, others will be encouraged to join in all areas of public life,” she said.