women
Each year March is celebrated as Women’s History Month. This is a time when we recognise and honour all women for their accomplishments integral to the fabric of society in their communities, economies, and governments. We find such she-roes, both historic and modern day, in every sector, be it in the sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, the arts, business, politics, and so on. In this connection, US Consulate organised an event on 31st March at PACC (Pak-American Cultural Centre). The event was attended by Consulate’s Information Officer, Krista Bustamante and other distinguished guests and media personalities.
The event centered around a video series that was financially sponsored by the US Consulate. It is called ‘Let’s Talk About It with Faiza Saleem’. Faiza, as many of you know, is talented and inspiring. She is a lawyer and a renowned comedian who has been a pioneer in the entertainment industry with her witty humour. Her work, though, is not limited to just comedy.
In this three-part series ‘Let’s Talk About It’, Faiza has used her social media platform and voice to bring attention to some of the most pressing issues facing our society today - on combatting gender-based violence, promoting women’s economic equal opportunity, and advancing women’s participation in politics and civil society. She was able to collaborate with some powerful and engaging women who have infused into the public discourse, their astute perspectives and insights. Faiza interviewed Ms Nusrat Zehra, who is a human rights activist and Chairperson of Bedaari, a national level non-governmental, voluntary, development organisation working with women and children for the promotion and protection of their human rights. She also interviewed Ms Maliha Zia Lari, who is an advocate of the high court, researcher, trainer on human rights and confronting gender-based violence against women, and Associate Director for Legal Aid Society. And she also interviewed Ms Nilofer Saeed, who is an entrepreneur and businesswoman. She has been in the field of education for over 20 years and on the board of directors for The Citizens Foundation (TCF).
At the heart of the programme, is the message that women’s empowerment is a global phenomenon that uplifts entire countries when there is greater gender equity and equal opportunity. Women’s empowerment is about breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating opportunities for women to thrive in every area of their lives.
Women’s empowerment can be defined to promoting women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others. It is closely aligned with female empowerment - a fundamental human right that’s also key to achieving a more peaceful, prosperous world. Female empowerment is often associated with specific phases of the women’s rights movement in history. This movement tends to be split into three waves, the first beginning in the 19th and early 20th century where suffrage was a key feature. The second wave of the 1960s included the sexual revolution and the role of women in society. Third wave feminism is often seen as beginning in the 1990s.
The United States is committed to advancing women’s empowerment in Pakistan and around the world through a variety of programmes and initiatives, such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs - giving enterprising women the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.
-You! desk