- Honoring Gender Empowerment Champions: Recognizing the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations advocating for women’s rights in Pakistan.
- A Collaborative Commitment: The Embassy of Sweden and UN Women unite to promote gender equality during the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
- Innovative Awareness Initiatives: Highlighting UN Women’s Theatre on Wheels project, engaging communities to combat gender-based violence.
- A Symbol of Hope: A heartfelt candle and air lantern lighting ceremony symbolizing resilience and unity for a gender-equal future.
In a heartwarming evening filled with inspiration and unity, the Embassy of Sweden in Pakistan, in collaboration with UN Women, hosted a grand celebration to honor Pakistan’s Gender Empowerment Champions. Held at the serene residence of Swedish Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde, the event shone a spotlight on individuals and organizations committed to advancing women’s rights, promoting gender equality, and eliminating gender-based violence across the nation.
As the winter evening unfolded, the gathering exuded a sense of purpose and camaraderie. Guests from diverse walks of life—including diplomats, activists, policymakers, and advocates—came together under the theme #KoiJawaazNahi (#NoExcuse). The event was a pivotal moment in the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which aims to eliminate violence against women and girls worldwide.
A Warm Welcome from Sweden
The Swedish Ambassador, Alexandra Berg von Linde, opened the evening with a warm and passionate address. Her words resonated deeply, reflecting Sweden’s unwavering commitment to gender equality. “Sweden has a long-standing tradition of working for gender equality and against gender-based violence—both at home and globally,” she stated.
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Her voice carried a tone of both urgency and hope as she emphasized the importance of collective action. “Combatting sexual and gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal effort that demands engagement from all quarters. Together, we can ensure that women and girls live free from fear and violence, with the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she added, her resolve shining through.
The ambiance was intimate yet charged with purpose, as the soft glow of lights and gentle hum of conversations created an atmosphere of solidarity. The guests were a blend of seasoned advocates and fresh faces, all united by their shared vision of a gender-equal Pakistan.
UN Women’s Call for Unity
Jamshed Kazi, the UN Women Pakistan Country Representative designate, echoed these sentiments in his heartfelt speech. With conviction, he highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving gender equality. “The progress we seek requires unwavering commitment from every individual, organization, and institution,” he said.
Kazi’s words were a rallying cry, urging those present to recognize the power of joint efforts. “Today, we honor those who have made it their mission to advance women’s rights and create safe, equitable spaces for all. Their dedication inspires us to continue working tirelessly towards a society free from gender-based violence,” he concluded, drawing applause from the audience.
Stories That Inspire
The evening’s highlight was the screening of a video showcasing the Theatre on Wheels campaign, a pioneering initiative under UN Women’s Rolling Resistance program. This innovative project takes the message of gender equality to Pakistan’s rural and urban communities through engaging performances and dialogues.
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The audience watched intently as the video unfolded stories of resilience, courage, and change. The campaign has become a beacon of hope, reminding all that conversations about gender-based violence must extend beyond boardrooms and conferences to touch the lives of everyday citizens.
Celebrating Gender Champions
A centerpiece of the evening was the award ceremony honoring Gender Empowerment Champions. These remarkable individuals and organizations—hailing from sectors such as civil society, policymaking, and grassroots activism—were celebrated for their extraordinary contributions to advancing women’s empowerment in Pakistan.
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Each awardee received resounding applause, their achievements serving as powerful reminders of the impact of dedication and perseverance. The honorees exemplified the spirit of International Women’s Day pledges, embodying the commitment to creating a world where women and girls can thrive.
A Pledge for the Future
The event concluded with a heartfelt speech by Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environment Coordination. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to gender equality, emphasizing that progress in this realm is integral to the country’s development.
“We recognize the critical contributions of these gender champions in shaping a brighter future for Pakistan. Their work is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause,” she said, her voice filled with pride and determination.
A Symbol of Hope
In a symbolic gesture that encapsulated the evening’s spirit, a candle and air lantern lighting ceremony was held. The flickering flames and rising lanterns illuminated the night, serving as poignant symbols of hope, resilience, and collective resolve to end violence against women.
Participants joined hands, their smiles and laughter a testament to the unity and optimism that the event inspired. The evening concluded with a photo session, capturing not just faces but the shared commitment of all present to a future where gender equality is not an aspiration but a reality.
A Shared Vision
The collaboration between the Embassy of Sweden and UN Women underscored the strength of partnerships in driving meaningful change. Their commitment to amplifying the voices of change-makers and celebrating those who tirelessly champion women’s rights resonated throughout the event.
As guests departed, the message was clear: the journey to gender equality is far from over, but together, strides are being made. The evening was not just a celebration—it was a call to action, a reminder of the power of unity, and a testament to the resilience of those who dream of a world where every woman and girl can live with safety, dignity, and equality.
The warmth of the gathering lingered, as did the resolve of its participants to continue the fight for a gender-equal Pakistan.