Islamabad Each year the Australian High Commission tries to make its annual, especially chosen for the season, ‘Australia Day in Spring’ reception a little different from the ordinary and this year was no exception. (FYI Australia Day falls in January.) Hosted by High Commissioner Peter Heyward and Mrs Susan Heyward, the event was dedicated to ‘promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls for the future’ by highlighting the work being done by the high commission and the achievements of Pakistani and Australian women. The reception was attended by a large number of people including diplomats; Pakistanis from different walks of life who are doing business with Australia and friends of the hosts and other members of the high commission. A few talented Australian women were also present — Faiza Rehman, a contestant in Masterchef Australia (2013); Melbourne hairdresser Joanne Gan and Pakistani Australian Maryam Ort-Saeed, who vocalised the national anthems of both countries. For whatever reason, there was no chief guest, for which many of those present were thankful! MC for the evening was cheerful First Secretary, Economic and Public Diplomacy, Nicole Guihot. The reception was held at the high commissioners residence which was beautifully decorated, coloured lights highlighting the foliage and tall trees encompassing the lawn, where ‘in action’ figures of Australian female athletes were placed. Video screening of Pakistani women in the armed forces; police, etc: gave a glimpse of those females who have challenged the status quo of this male dominated society and are making us proud. Photographs capturing images of Australian assistance programmes involving women and girls were showcased inside as well as in the verandah; while Australian DJ Danielle Rizk (MzRizk) provided the upbeat music that was played throughout the evening. Welcoming the gathering Peter Heyward also announced that it was the last Australia Day he and his wife Susan would be hosting, so it gave them a chance to say ‘Thank you’ to their many friends and colleagues before they leave. “This year we have chosen a theme which is universally recognised as one of the most effective means for promoting economic growth and achieving lasting peace and security,” he said, “Tonight is all about celebrating the role of women in all walks of life in Australia and Pakistan.” He then mentioned the special women who were present; regretted that Australia’s ambassador for women and girls, Natasha Stott Despoja had been unable to come in person but had recorded a message for the occasion; recognised Pakistan’s Honorary Consul for trade and investment in Melbourne, Ayesha Bux, who is coordinating with Depilex (beauty institute) and COTHAM (hospitality college) to run classes in cooking and hairdressing (with Faiza Rehman and Joanne Gan) and concluded by thanking all the sponsors and his colleagues of the high commission, especially Nicole, for their hard work in making the event a success. In her message Ms Despoja spoke of Australia’s commitment to the empowerment of women; its assistance to promote the same and stressed the fact that working together, challenges can be met and equality for all achieved. Second secretary Dr Rasha Ruhayel then came and gave a brief account — in Urdu — about the ongoing projects to empower women and girls. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to four of the twelve alumni who have been selected this year for their achievements — Sadaf Jamil; Dr Munir Husain Zia; Raheel Waqar and Lubna Hashmat. After the official agenda came to an end, the music went into concert/dancing mode and while most of the guests went home, members of the high commission and a few of their close friends stayed on to enjoy the rest of the evening. ‘Australia Day in Spring’ will also be celebrated in Lahore and Karachi in the coming week.
