Lahore, Pakistan, June 25: Baloch women are leading a significant protest movement against Pakistan, despite facing repressions, enforced disappearances, economic marginalisation, and severe restrictions on their freedoms. The Baloch Women Forum released a statement on Tuesday highlighting the dire conditions of women in Balochistan and the state-inflicted genocide upon the Baloch community.
The statement noted, "Despite facing numerous socio-political challenges, women stand firm in their struggle for justice and the well-being of their families. These women often confront issues such as enforced disappearances, economic marginalisation, and severe restrictions on their freedoms."
The forum praised their activism, "driven by love and an unyielding spirit, involves organising protests, advocating for human rights, and raising awareness about the plight of their loved ones."
The statement also emphasised the severe scarcity of essential services and basic amenities in Balochistan. It highlighted the lack of adequate healthcare facilities, especially for severe illnesses like cancer. Many women endure pain without proper diagnosis or treatment, travelling long distances to receive basic medical care.
Hameeda Baloch, a prominent Baloch rights activist, has been admitted to Agha Khan Hospital in Lahore due to cancer. She could not receive proper medication in her homeland. The statement said, "The plight of these women like Hameeda Baloch, who has been fighting and struggling against the issues in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, now fighting against cancer in the Agha Khan Hospital, is a stark reminder of the intersection between political strife and public health crises."
The Baloch Women Forum urged the world to recognise their endurance and join in their fight for a future where their rights and health are secured.
Baloch refers to people from Balochistan, a region in Pakistan. They have their own unique culture and language.
Protests are when people gather to show they are unhappy about something and want change. They can hold signs, shout slogans, and march together.
Injustices are unfair actions or situations where people are treated badly or not given their rights.
Repressions are actions taken to control or silence people, often by force, to stop them from speaking out or protesting.
Enforced disappearances happen when people are secretly taken away by authorities and their families don't know where they are.
Economic marginalisation means being pushed to the edge of society and not having the same economic opportunities as others, like jobs or money.
The Baloch Women Forum is a group that speaks up for the rights and needs of Baloch women.
Balochistan is a province in Pakistan known for its rich natural resources but also for its struggles and conflicts.
Healthcare facilities are places like hospitals and clinics where people go to get medical help.
Hameeda Baloch is a well-known activist from Balochistan who fights for the rights of her people.
An activist is someone who works hard to bring about social or political change.
Lahore is a major city in Pakistan, known for its rich history and culture.
Global recognition means getting attention and support from people and countries all around the world.
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