LAHORE (ABC): The Embassy of Pakistan, in collaboration with Zonta International Paris, organized an event to celebrate International Women’s Day in Paris.
Many people from all walks of life including the diplomatic community, prominent government representatives, UNESCO, international institutions, civil society and media participated. Members of the Pakistan-France Senate Friendship Group, Senator Vivette Lopez and Pierre Cuyper also attended the ceremony.
In his keynote address, Ambassador/Permanent Delegate Asim Iftikhar Ahmad highlighted the vital role of women in Pakistan’s independence, and national development and paid tribute to their remarkable accomplishments in diverse fields over the years.
Providing a historical perspective, the ambassador threw light on the central place of women in Islam and also provided an advanced and ahead-of-time framework of fundamental human rights including the rights of women.
He underlined Pakistan’s strong commitment to continue to strive for gender equality in all aspects of life and to provide an enabling environment for every girl and woman to achieve her full potential.
Describing education as a key enabler, the ambassador underscored the importance of partnerships including with the civil society to promote shared objectives. He lauded the work of women officers spearheading various wings of the embassy as a practical manifestation of the government’s affirmative action for gender equality and representation.
A presentation showcasing successful Pakistani girls and women from all walks of life was also delivered during the event, reaffirming Pakistan’s solemn commitment to continue promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality across the board.
Assistant Director-General for Education Ms Stefania Giannini highlighted the role of UNESCO in promoting SDG-4 education globally.
She mentioned the Malala Funds in Trust Girls’ Right to Education Program as a successful role model of partnership between Pakistan, UNESCO and other partners for promoting girls’ education in Pakistan and several other countries.
President of the Zonta Club presented the vision and activities of the organization for the education, visibility and promotion of women and girls.
Three outstanding Pakistani-French women Tabassum Saleem (civil service), Naghmana Kiani (social service) and Shaaz Malik (poet/writer) also shared their views on the occasion.
The event was part of the embassy’s program to mark International Women’s Day coinciding with the Pakistan Day celebrations in March and was an excellent opportunity to inform the French audience of the tremendous achievements and important role of women in Pakistan.