Exhibition held to showcase work of female artisans

PESHAWAR: The United Nations Higher Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and UN Women, on Tuesday organised an exhibition to showcase the work of the female artisans and students of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A press release said that the UNHCR and the UN Women brought together the work of indigenous female artisans and students of Pakistan and Afghanistan in a handicraft and art exhibition at PUTA Hall, University of Peshawar.

The exhibition was organised to commemorate the International Women’s Day - being observed globally to recognise women’s contributions and celebrate their social, economic, cultural and political achievements. This year’s theme is “think equal, build smart and innovate for change”.

The exhibition displayed delicate Pakistani and Afghan handicrafts featuring handmade dresses and jewellery. Pakistani and Afghan students also portrayed their imagination through their colours at the exhibition.

Senator Dr Mehr Taj Roghani was the chief guest at the occasion.

The event was attended by Dinesh Shrestha, UNHCR’s Head in Peshawar, Zainab Qaiser Khan, Head of Provincial Office UN Women in Peshawar, Muhammad Abbas Khan, Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, Dr Kaneez Fatima, Principal College of Home Economics, University of Peshawar, Maleeha Asghar Khan, Chairperson Women Parliamentary Caucus, KP Assembly, students and faculty members of Peshawar University, and officials from government, UN agencies and NGOs.

Speaking on the occasion, Shrestha said that Pakistan continued to host 1.4 million Afghan refugees, of which 46 percent were women and girls.

He said that UNHCR has been providing livelihoods development opportunities to refugees and their host communities to enhance their self-reliance and economic capacity.

“UNHCR builds women’s resilience and strengths, helps them improve their lives, as well as those of their families and communities, every single day,” he said, adding UNHCR recognized refugee women as important agents of change in their communities.

Zainab Qaiser Khan said that UN Women Pakistan was working to create an environment where women and girls can benefit from equal social and economic development opportunities.

A photography competition was also held and prizes were distributed among the top three winners.