LAHORE: Ajoka Theatre marked the International Women`s Day with two powerful performances at Alhamra shedding light on critical issues affecting women in Pakistan.

The plays -Sharam Di Gal (A Matter of Shame) and Lappar (The Slap) -tackled subjects of sexual violence, gender bias and the societal stigmas faced by women, offering a poignant commentary on the need for societal and legal change.

Sharam Di Gal, written by Shahid Nadeem and directed by Nirvaan Nadeem, tells the harrowing story of rape victims who face further humiliation at the hands of institutions like the police, hospitals and the judiciary.

The play raises the critical question: what is truly a matter of shame the victim of rape or the lack of support for them? Shahid Nadeem shared, `This play exposes thecruel treatment faced by victims, urging the society to reflect on its approach to justice.` The cast included Abdullah Tirmzi, Ismail, Daniyal Basharat, Laiba, Sheza Butt, Husnain Ali Sher, Syed Hassan Siraj, Taimoor Shafiq and Zaigham Abbas.

In Lappar, originally directed by Madeeha Gauhar (late), Ajoka explored the social stigma surrounding the birth of a girl child. The play, set in a maternity ward, portrayed the harsh reality faced by mothers who give birth to daughters in a society where the birth of a girl is often mourned.

Nirvaan Nadeem commented, `Through Lappar, we hope to challenge the toxic mindset that devalues women even before they are born.` The cast included Erum Navaee, Rania Mohsin, Razia Malik, Rabil Butt, Samawia Zaman, Fatin Shahid, Areeba Naveed, Sheza Butt and Zaigham Abbas.