INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY – 2025, MARCH 8th, 2025 (2025-09)

 

International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8 each year, holds great significance in honoring the achievements, contributions, and advancements of women throughout history and around the world. In Pakistan, International Women's Day holds particular significance as it highlights both the progress women have made and the ongoing challenges faced by women in our society. The day serves as a platform for raising awareness and promoting actions that can improve the status of women in various areas of life. Women's Day is a time to emphasize the importance of women' empowerrnent in every sphere of life. Whether it is through education, financial independence, or leadership opportunities, empowering women is seen as essential for the development of the country. International Women's Day in Pakistan serves not only as a celebration of women's achievements but also as a call to action to advance progress towards a more equal and just society for women.

Despite many challenges, women in Pakistan have made significant strides in fields like education, business, politics, and the arts. International Women's Day provides an opportunity to celebrate these achievements and inspire others to break barriers and pursue their dreams. In this regard, following is a brief description of women featuring on the stamps of this issue:

1. Fatima Jinnah. Fatima Jinnah (1893-1967), often referred to as "Madar-e-Millat" (Mother of the Nation), is one of the most iconic and influential figures in Pakistan's history. Her legacy is deeply intertwined with the creation of Pakistan and the empowerment of women in the country. Fatima Jinnah was also one of Pakistan's first women to obtain a dentistry degree. Her commitment to health and welfare led her to establish clinics to serve the underserved areas, particularly focusing on women's health. She was a pioneer in breaking professional barriers for women in a male-dominated society. Her contributions have left a deep impact on the political, social, and cultural spheres of Pakistan and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of women to work towards equality and progress.

2. Anna Molka Ahmed. Anna Molka Ahmed (1911-1994) was a pioneering figure in the field of art education and painting in Pakistan. As one of the country's first prominent female artists and educators, her legacy is rich in both the artistic contributions she made and the impact she had on the development of art institutions in Pakistan. Anna Molka Ahmed is often credited with shaping the art education system in Pakistan. She was instrumental in establishing the Department of Fine Arts at Punjab University in Lahore in 1940, where she taught for much of her life. She also played a major role in the establishment of the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore, one of Pakistan's premier institutions for fine arts education. Through her work as an educator, she mentored countless students, many of whom went on to become influential artists and educators themselves. Anna Molka Ahmed was a trailblazer for women in art in Pakistan. At a time when the art world was male-dominated, she not only excelled as an artist but also became a key figure in advocating for women's involvement in the arts.

3. Bilquis Edhi. Bilquis Edhi (1947-2022) is known for her selfless work in humanitarian services and formation of Edhi foundation with her husband Abdul Sattar Edhi. Her legacy is rooted in the phenomenal impact she had on healthcare, social welfare, and the empowerment of women in Pakistan. She not only worked tirelessly in the field of social welfare but also helped break societal barriers by showing that women could take leadership roles in social services. She was an advocate for women's education, health, and rights and believed in equality for both women and men in the realm of humanitarian work.

4. Marium Mukhtiar. Flying Officer Marium Mukhtiar (1992-2015) was a Pakistani Air Force pilot who left a significant mark in Pakistan's aviation history as the country's first female combat pilot to die in the line of duty. As a female fighter pilot in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), she defied traditional gender roles in a field dominated by men. Flying Officer Marium Mukhtiar's achievement was particularly remarkable in a country where military careers, especially in combat roles, have historically been male-dominated. Her legacy is one of bravery, determination, and inspiration, and she remains an icon for aspiring women in aviation, the military, and beyond. The Government of Pakistan posthumously honoured Marium Mukhtiar with Tamgha-e-Basalat on 23rd March 2016.

5. Vignette. The fifth stamp is a tribute to the folk women of Pakistan who have played a profound role in shaping the country's cultural heritage and societal values. Their contributions to art, music, and handicrafts are immense and invaluable. The intricate embroidery and handicrafts created by women from rural areas of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are not only beautiful but also tell stories of their traditions and customs. This vignette pays homage to women of Pakistan, may it be a Heer, Sassi, Hani or Durkhane.

Design Elements:- All the main inscriptions on the stamp have been done using purple colour. Purple is the official colour of International Women's Day because it symbolizes justice, dignity, strength, and loyalty. It's also been used as a symbol of feminism and women's rights since the beginning of the movement.

Each stamp in the issues showcases International Women's Day logo and is inscribed with the theme of International Women's Day 2025 "Accelerate Action". According to the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity at global level.

The stamps are bordered within purple, green and white flowers. These colours are associated with International Women's Day Movement.

FDC shares the image made public by UPU for #She Stamps campaign in 2024. Aim was to celebrate women who made landmark contributions in history, with 19 UPU members countries sharing 66 memorable stamp issues.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, a set of 5 Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 30/- each denomination and Souvenir Sheet (Value of Rs. 30/-) are being issued by Pakistan Post on 08th March 2025.