Swedish embassy, UN Women honour Pakistan’s gender empowerment champions

Islamabad:The Embassy of Sweden, in collaboration with UN Women Pakistan, hosted an event at the Swedish Ambassador’s residence to recognise Pakistan’s Gender Empowerment Champions. The occasion celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations dedicated to eradicating gender-based violence, promoting women’s empowerment, and advancing gender equality in the country, says a press release.

The event was a key part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that emphasizes the urgent need to eliminate violence against women and girls. With the theme #KoiJawaazNahi (#NoExcuse), the evening underscored a shared commitment to building a gender-equal society.

The program began with a warm welcome from the Ambassador of Sweden, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Sweden and Pakistan in championing gender equality. Swedish Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde stated, “Sweden has a long-standing commitment on working for gender equality and against gender-based violence - at home and globally. Combatting sexual and gender-based violence is not only a women’s issue. It is a joint effort where all parts of society need to engage. Together, we can ensure that women and girls can live free from fear and violence and are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Jamshed Kazi, UN Women Pakistan Country Representative designate, also addressed the gathering, stressing the significance of joint action. He said, “The progress we seek in eliminating gender-based violence and achieving gender equality requires the unwavering commitment of every individual, organisation, and institution. Events like these remind us of the power of collaboration and the impact of our combined efforts.” He further added, “Today, we honour the champions who have made it their mission to advance women’s rights and create safe, equitable spaces for all. Their unwavering dedication inspires us to continue working towards a society free of gender-based violence.”

The evening featured a screening of the Theatre on Wheels campaign video, showcasing of UN Women’s Rolling Resistance initiative. This innovative mobile theatre project has journeyed across Pakistan, engaging communities in dialogue and raising awareness about the urgent need to address gender-based violence.

A key highlight of the event was the award ceremony, which celebrated gender champions who have significantly contributed to advancing women’s rights and empowerment in Pakistan. The honorees, representing various sectors such as civil society and policymaking, embodied the spirit of International Women’s Day (IWD) pledges.

The program concluded with remarks by Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environment Coordination, who reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to gender equality. She stated, “We recognise the critical contributions of these gender champions in shaping a brighter future for Pakistan. Their work is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause.”

The evening ended with a symbolic candle and air lantern lighting ceremony, representing hope, resilience, and a collective resolve to end violence against women. Attendees also participated in a photo session, capturing the unity and determination of the movement.

The event highlighted the strength of partnerships and the importance of celebrating those who work tirelessly for women’s empowerment. Together, UN Women and the Embassy of Sweden remain committed to amplifying the voices of change-makers, fostering a future where every woman and girl can thrive in safety, equality, and dignity.