“8th March 1907 … Women workers of garment factories in New York protested against the discrimination faced by the female workers. They were demanding equal status as of their male colleagues and livable salaries for their daily 10 hours of labor. They were baton struck mercilessly and thrown into prisons. Next year they demanded right to vote, an end to child labor, job opportunities and improved working conditions. Police and the establishment tortured them again. We and the world commemorate Women’s day to salute their struggle” ….. (By Dr Farrukh Gulzar)
Global health organization, emed, decided to celebrate the day with the lady prisoners in the District Women Jail Faisalabad, Pakistan, organizing a ‘Free Health Camp’ with screening of Hepatitis B & C, Sugar, Cholesterol, Vitamin D, Body Mass Index (Body mass index) which is an indicator of excessive fat in the body with ‘Free Medical & Gynecological Consultation’ by emed Lady Doctors. With that medical students arranged a small interactive session on women rights.
Under the supervision of Vice President emed, Assistant Professor, Dr Humaira Arshad a team of lady doctors comprising of Dr Mudassar Faiza, Dr Attia Anwar & medical students, Fareeha (3rd year) & Rahat (2nd year) reached the district jail where they were received by the Superintendent Jail Mr Raza, Female Superintendent Fareeha Ashraf, Assistant Superintendent Jail Zaib un Nisa, Social Welfare Officer Eyesha Jamil and their staff members.
Female prisoners present in the jail showed keen interest in the screening tests for various diseases & with their test reports took medical advice from the doctors in a much disciplined way.
Talking to the prisoners, Dr Humaira Arshad said:
“It was very easy for us to arrange World Women Day activity at some posh 5 star hotel, where we could deliver speeches, take a cup of tea & go to our homes, But we thought to reach out and come to the door step of the women who are in dire need of health & medical advice & who should know about their rights. If we have done something good, then pray for us, pray for your admin staff who allowed us to come here & as a pay back, tell your families to educate your daughters & young ones because education is the only way through which your daughters will know about their rights. Education is the answer to the problems of the women”.
The jail staff thanked emed teams for taking time out & visiting jail & desired to have such sessions in future also. They requested for a health camp for male prisoners also.