Government initiatives vs. Aurat March

The sky was draped in thick, grey clouds as a steady drizzle fell, creating ripples in puddles and soaking the earth with its cold touch. The crisp, damp breeze carried the scent of wet soil and rain-soaked leaves. As I stood on the roadside, trying to hail a cab, an old man approached me. His face was lined with deep wrinkles—marks of time that he carried with grace and sincerity. His eyes, though weary, gleamed with warmth and kindness, reflecting a lifetime of hard work and honesty.  

Despite his modest attire and evident financial struggles, he radiated joy as he shared news of his daughter's upcoming marriage through the Punjab Government’s “Dhee Rani” program. His voice, filled with emotion, reminded me of Edgar Guest’s beautiful lines:  

“I’ll bet you a dollar you don’t know,  
A father’s love for his daughter can grow.  You’ll find that it’s strong and pure as gold,  
No treasure in this world could ever be sold.”  

As he spoke, tears welled up in his eyes—not just from happiness, but from the weight of emotions, memories of raising his daughter, and the realization that she would soon belong to another home. He continuously praised the Punjab Government’s initiative, which has helped countless daughters find security in marriage. With the launch of Phase II, many more young women from struggling families are set to receive similar support.  

Since taking the oath as Punjab’s first female Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz has emphasized reforms in education, healthcare, economic development, and women’s empowerment. Among her administration’s many initiatives, the “Dhee Rani Program” stands out as a significant step toward assisting financially disadvantaged families in arranging their daughters' marriages.  

The program offers a dowry package worth Rs 206,000, including household essentials like furniture and appliances.  A cash grant of Rs 100,000, directly transferred to the bride’s bank account. 
Such initiatives alleviate the financial burden on struggling families, ensuring that young women begin their married lives with dignity and security.  
Punjab's government has also launched several other programs aimed at empowering women, including:  
1-The Pink Scooter Scheme is designed
  to increase women’s mobility and independence by providing subsidized scooters.  Its helpful for female students and working women to commute safely and efficiently.it reduces dependence on male family members for transportation.  
2-Zewar-e-Taleem ProgramProvides monthly stipends of Rs 1,000 to female students from grades 6 to 10 in government schools of districts with low literacy rates to encourage girls' education.  
   It’s important to reduce dropout rates and promote continued education instead of early marriage or domestic work.  
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to women’s rights ensuring that they receive not only economic and educational opportunities but also the means to contribute effectively to society.  
While the government is actively working toward women’s empowerment, a nother movement—“Aurat March”—presents a contrasting narrative. Observed annually on February 12 this march aims to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. However, it has sparked controversy due to its provocative slogans and bold demands which some argue do not align with cultural values.
Islam grants great importance to women, ensuring rights, respect, and dignity within society. Many believe that true empowerment lies in education, economic independence, and social security, all of which the government is actively promoting. Critics of Aurat March argue that:  
- Some slogans misrepresent women’s struggles and promote ideas that alienate traditional values.
- The focus on radical feminism overshadows real issues faced by working-class and rural women.
- Instead of constructive dialogue, the march often leads to controversy.
Women deserve respect, dignity, and opportunities to voice their concerns. However,  true empowerment comes from education, awareness, and constructive engagement, not from controversial protests or divisive rhetoric. Instead of participating in marches that create societal discord, women should focus on:  
- Advocating for policy changes that improve their lives.  
- Utilizing educational and economic opportunities to gain independence.  
- Engaging in respectful discourse to highlight their challenges.  

By writing these lines I just recalled the best woman of my life. My Mother never asked for or demanded her sacrifices and hard work. She has just been interrogated by people for trivial matters. Even I have not made any attempts even being a woman to get her praise for things that she has done for us. A house is a real example of it. If women from every house protest in a glamorous look like the Aurat march how it look? Obviously weird. This is the message for all women that We can’t envisage the fact that how much a woman gives to society, and family whether it is affection for children, sharing her stipend with family members, and participating in community discussions by voicing out their opinions on various social issues but they must realize their actual place and they should not charge for her affection and love by attending such walks.
By concluding I‘ll just convey this message to everyone 

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”