QAU student wins essay competition

Islamabad: Male dominance has given us two world wars. Give world the chance to have peace, let women take reins.
This was the message given at a prize distribution ceremony for an essay competition organised by Potohar Organisation for Development and Advocacy (PODA). The event was meant to commemorate International Peace Day on Monday.
“The role of women in developing a peaceful society and a prosperous nation is undeniable,” said Director Programmes PODA Naveeda Khwaja while addressing the prize distribution ceremony.
The event was organised by PODA in collaboration with European Union to emphasise on the importance of peace. Contestants were selected from leading universities all over Pakistan. Social Sciences, Humanities and Law Departments’ students participated in the competition organised to mark the World Peace Day. The event was attended by about 70 representatives of different organisations, institutes and societies.
Acting Head of the European Union Delegation to Pakistan Stephano Gatto accentuated the role of women in building a progressive community. “It may be surprising for you that even in Europe there is an unbalanced gender distribution in opportunities,” he said adding that traditions cannot be a reason to work together for betterment.
President of Groupe Development, Pakistan, Valerie Khan Yousafzai commended the efforts of the students and said definition of peace building is very well described by the youngsters. “We hope to see more women in more high places to foster peace”.
First Secretary (Political Affairs) at the Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands Nanna Stolze stressed that peace is the only way to prosperity. “Role of women is something to be recognized. Both men and women have to stand and work together to make sure that the challenge achieving world peace does not stay a dream.”
The jury comprised former Dean of Social Science Department, Fatima Jinnah University, Dr. Iftikhar Hassan; Vice Chairperson, Council of Social Sciences, Islamabad, Dr. Zarina Salamat and writer and editor, former coordinator of Gender Programs of UN Najam Saigal.
Najam Saigal announced the top three writers. First prize of Rs50,000 was won by Rameez Ahmed Sheikh from Quaid-i-Azam University, second prize of Rs30,000 was given to Mazhar Iqbal representing University of
Peshawar and third place
for Rs25,000 prize was awarded to Sidra Rasool
from the Azad Jammu and Kashmir University.