Zubair Qureshi
Celebrating the launch of its ‘Women in Leadership’ programme in South Asia, the British Council (BC) has reiterated its commitment to take more effective initiatives to increase women’s contribution towards nation building through women empowerment.
Through the programme the BC highlights the achievements and constructive role of women in social uplift and progress, particularly their role as leaders.
The British Council hosted a digital event across South Asia to celebrate the launch of its ‘Women in Leadership’ programme, a training programme for women in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Inspired by Her Majesty the Queen’s 70-year service and leadership, this training programme was launched under which a network of 100 young women leaders in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and the UK was built.
This programme offered 100 emerging young women leaders (25 each from these four states) a learning opportunity through an eight-week online, self-access leadership course to become more effective in leading interventions to support gender equality and women’s leadership within their sectors.
Representatives from British Council, Clore Social Leadership UK, SoLF, Women in Leadership participants, and other experts participated in the event. The event was moderated by Sidra Iqbal, a celebrated broadcast journalist and media personality from Pakistan while Jehan Ara, Founder and CEO of Katalyst Labs was the keynote speaker.
A panel discussion also took place where stakeholders shed light on the factors hindering gender parity and women decision-making roles. The discussion called for more vigorous efforts to ensure an enabling environment for capacity building of women.
The panelists included Coordinator Nijera Kori, Bangladesh, Khushi Kabir; Member of Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, India, Archana Soreng; Country Director Marie Stopes Society, Pakistan, Asma Balal; and CEO Chrysalis, Sri Lanka, Ashika Gunasena.
During the event, inspirational stories of women who have been part of the Women in Leadership programme were also showcased.
The British Council is the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language.
