WOMEN LEADERS; INSPIRING TODAY’S YOUTH FOR A PROGRESSIVE AND INCLUSIVE PAKISTAN.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) In celebration of the International Women’s Day 2022, Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development, Kinnaird College for Women in partnership with Rouge London, Youth Revolution Clan and Punjab Population Innovation Fund (PPIF) Government of the Punjab organized An interactive panel discussion of inspiring women and young leaders/activists, parliamentarians, government institutions, academia, sector specialists, media and students. Dr. Rubina Sohail – Member Executive SOGP, Amna Akhsheed GM Grants PPIF , Dr. Anjum Rizvi – Director Program Management Division, FPAP, Dr. Yasmeen Qazi – Country Advisor Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Board Member PPIF, Ms. Laraib Abid – Founder Mashal, Mr. Shoaib Ahmed Shahzad – Program Technical Specialist RH-FP, UNFPA, Mr. Muhammad Shahzad – Executive Director CDA, Mr. Joshua Dilawar – Member National Youth Council and Umair Mushtaq from The Little Art Joined the discussion.

This was followed by Excellence Awards presented to leaders in Women Empowerment and health to recognize the achievements of women leaders who are inspiring today’s youth for a progressive and inclusive Pakistan. Awardees Include: Dr Sumaira Rehman Rector Superior University, Dr. Nadhra Shahbaz from LUMS, Ms. Abida Khaliq from ISLB, Nighat Jawad CEO YUMZ food, Ms. Momina Shoukat Chattha, Ms Bina Jawad, Ms. Saima Jasam, Ms. Aqsa, Ms. Alina Ajmal, Ms. Flower Zaheer, Ms. Robina Nusrat and Dr. Ghazal Yaqub Director ORIC Kinnaird College for Women. The objective of this event was to celebrate social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The year 2022 is especially important as it marks the 27th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; the most progressive roadmap for the empowerment of women and girls, everywhere, the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security; and the 12th anniversary of UN Women’s establishment. “Women Empowerment is key to strengthening the Nation and Education can contribute in building a positive Nation., Kinnaird has been empowering women since 1913 and will continue to educate and enlighten the young women of Pakistan to Achieve the UN Goal of Quality Education and Gender Equality.

“ Said Dr. Rukhsana David. “We need to depict constructive, valuable, and positive image of Pakistan all over the world by engaging the young generation with United Nations (UN) and other International Organizations and for this, Youth and Women need to be empowered through education for the progress and advancement of Sustainable Development Agenda.” Said Rizwan Anwar , UN Global Youth Advocate for SDG’s. Jawad Qureshi CEO of PPIF and Director KCLCD Maha Jamil also addressed the Participants.

Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development at Kinnaird College for Women also Organized the fashion Show with the aim of creating awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry and encouraging people to be more conscious consumers. Kinnaird Fashion Show will engage and educate the local community about responsible ways to update their wardrobes and create unique timeless style with secondhand and sustainable fashion. Kinnaird Fashion Show took place in parallel to UN Women Day when the world leaders are discussing how to achieve the Sustainable Development Agenda by 2030. Event also showcased the Cultural performances from all the provinces of Pakistan.