Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women

Peace Center Lahore, Pakistan organized International Women’s Day,2024 at Pak Arab Housing Society Ferozepur Road Lahore. COPE Pakistan CC, Golden Star CC and Lahore, Pakistan CC coordinators and their CCs members participated in the IWD,2024 at the Peace Center. More than 130 women, girls participated from all walks of life and they celebrated International Women’s Day, 2024 with the theme of #InspireInclusion emphasized the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society. Fr. James Channan OP Director Peace Center and URI CC Coordinator of Lahore, Pakistan CC was host of the event of International Women’s Day,2024. Dr. Nasreen Akhtar, Dr. Neelum, Advocate Samaria Shafique, Fr. Akhtar Naveed OP, Dr. Malaka Abbas, Madam Neelum Nisari, Ms. Twinkle Sohail, Advocate Nadia Hameed, Naureen Akhtar, Principal Qaisra Shaheen, Ms. Wajiha Tanveer, Ms. Saiqa, Dr Saleem Shah, Pastor Amjad, and Mr. Iqbal Sani and Mr. Asher Nazir were guest of honor and they talked in the program on International Women’s Day according to the them Inspire Inclusion.

 
Fr. James Channan OP warmly welcomed to guest in the celebration of International Women’s Day,2024. He said that International Women's Day was marked for the first time by the United Nations in 1975. Then in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. The UN announced their first annual theme "Celebrating the past, planning for the Future" which was followed in 1997 with "Women at the Peace table", in 1998 with "Women and Human Rights", in 1999 with "World Free of Violence Against Women", and so on each year. The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. When women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.

To Inspire Inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women's Day 2024 and beyond. International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done. Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, individuals and organizations can create opportunities for women to thrive.

Dr. Nasreen Akhtar, Dr. Neelum, Advocate Samaria Shafique, Dr. Malaka Abbas, Madam Neelum Nisari, Ms. Twinkle Sohail, Advocate Nadia Hameed and Ms. Naureen Akhtar shared that we are celebrating International Women's Day 2024 and reflecting on the theme of Inspire Inclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where all women are empowered, valued, and included. By working together to break down barriers and foster diversity, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society for generations to come. Women shared that today many women are working in very high positions in different professions as Doctor, Advocate, Teacher, Police officer, Banker, Social Activist, Media Anchor, Politician, and many women are in business in Pakistan. We are happy that in the recent election in Pakistan a woman Mariam Nawaz was announced Chief Minister of Punjab by the Provincial Assembly of Punjab. Students of three girls’ schools participated in different performances according to theme and through these acts they showed that we are an important part of this society. By providing family support and resources, women can be empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Dr. Malaka and Ms. Wajiha Tanveer shared her personal success story with other women and girls and they said now we are successful in our life but we have to face many challenges and difficulties but with hardworking and getting education and skill women can achieve their goals and today we are a example for others.

Ms. Twinkle Sohail shared in her views that I belong to Pakistan’s minority Christian community, they have created history by becoming the first four sisters to participate in Asian Powerlifting and Bench Press Championship, in Dubai. This was the first time that four sisters participated in different categories of Asian Bench and Press Championship. Known as “power girls”, the quartet includes Twinkle Sohail, Maryam Sohail, Sybil Sohail and Veronica Sohail. I became the first Pakistani female powerlifter to win a gold medal in the Asian Bench Press Championship held in 2015 in Oman. Twinkle’s triumph has encouraged girls in Pakistan to pursue career in women weightlifting and powerlifting, which is still a very new sport in Pakistan. Although becoming an athlete has been a tough ride she has achieved it with the support of her family. She bagged four gold medals in the 47-kg category of junior (Under-21) international event of the Asian Bench Press Championship. Twinkle Sohail shared her success story with women and her sisters also participated in this program.
 

In 2024, the campaign theme Inspire Inclusion emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.
This year's campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.
One of the key pillars of Inspire Inclusion is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership roles.

Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women.
In the last of the program Fr. James Channan OP distributed Appreciation Certificates among the girls and women and he said that today I am very much happy that today a big number of women and girls participated from different religions and the greatest number of the women are doctors, advocates, teachers and business women and this is good sign in our society for women and this day is a celebration for all women. Happy Women’s Day to all of you.

Reported by:
Asher Nazir
Executive Secretary
Peace Center, Lahore