The 5th Women’s Conference, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi in commemoration of International Women’s Day, kicked off with great enthusiasm at Auditorium I. The event witnessed the presence of notable figures such as President of Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, along with Muneeza Shamsie, Zubeida Mustafa, Zehra Nigah, and Dr. Jafar Ahmed, who shared their perspectives.
The conference commenced with a vibrant showcase of music, theater, and dance performances by talented individuals from the Arts Council Academies, including Emad Rahman, Abdul Ghani, and Faizan Bhatti, showcasing remarkable performances. During the inaugural ceremony, President Muhammad Ahmed Shah reflected on the remarkable progress made by women in various fields, highlighting the significant strides taken towards gender equality in society.
He acknowledged the pioneering efforts of individuals such as Zehra Nigah and Zubeida Mustafa in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment. Zehra Nigah, a renowned poetess, reminisced about her experiences and the contributions of figures like Amina Apa and Sadequain Sahib in fostering education and artistic pursuits. She emphasized the importance of providing diverse opportunities for children to explore their talents and expressed her commitment to supporting women’s aspirations in all fields.
Zubeida Mustafa, an education expert, expressed gratitude for the recognition of her contributions and dedicated the award to all women who have strived for progress and empowerment. She stressed the collective effort needed to uplift women in society and enable them to overcome challenges. Muneeza Shamsi highlighted the historical milestones achieved by women in politics and society, emphasizing the importance of women’s participation and empowerment. She addressed the issue of violence against women and underscored the transformative impact of education on families and communities. Throughout the conference, various sessions and discussions were held on topics such as challenges faced by women today, personal narratives, and redefining success.
A theater play titled “Kamla,” directed by Uzma Sabeen, was also presented, adding depth to the event’s agenda. The conference concluded with a captivating performance by renowned dancer Nighat Chaudhry, leaving the audience inspired and energized. The event witnessed a significant turnout of women and participants, reflecting the collective commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in Pakistan.
