Period Pakistan (https://period.org) hosted an extremely important conference titled as ‘The Womanhood’ (Through Awareness and Commitment)’ on Wednesday, 26th October 2022 at District 19, Karachi. The underlying impetus of the conference was to raise awareness and shed light on women’s education, physical-health, mental-health and fitness.
PERIOD.org is a global youth-fueled nonprofit organization that strives to eradicate period poverty and stigma through service, education, and advocacy. Through the distribution of menstrual products and promotion of youth leadership, and aims to center those disproportionately affected by period poverty and support local efforts for menstrual equity.
Hasan Daupota CEO (Keys Production) was the man responsible for bringing the global chapter to educate and find solutions to deal with women’s issues. The main purpose of the conference was to create awareness and a platform for industry experts to unite and share real-life experiences to encourage women in Pakistan.
First panel discussion took place with Zainab Ansari – corporate trainer, keynote speaker and social activist taking on the role of moderator for panel discussions that took place between the extinguished speakers which included Sheema Kirmani, Rana Asif Habib and Burraq Shabbir.
Zainab Ansari started off the proceeding by saying the golden words ‘mothers educate you & fathers empower you’. Then at the start of panel discussion Sheema Kirmani, who is a well-known social activist and is the founder of Tehreek-e-Niswaan (cultural action group) started by saying; “firstly, we need to re-think that a women’s body is not something sinful, it is a normal human body just as a man’s body”.
Sheema Kirmani further said; “women rights are a part of human rights and when we talk about women rights we need to talk about the body too, talking about the human body is not a taboo anymore. Unfortunately, we don’t value women life, we must rethink to value women life just like a men life”.
Rana Asif Habib, is an excellent orator and a trainer on child rights, he said; “we lack sensitivity training and I would like to offer Sensitivity Training across the board. Anyone interested please let me know, I’d be glad to help”.
Burraq Shabbir a senior journalist at working simultaneously at Arab news, BBC and Deutsche Welle covering extensively fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. During this panel discussion Burraq Shabbir said; “what I have realized over the period of time is, that no-one can give you confidence, this is something that comes from within. You just need to embrace yourself, love yourself and make sure to always choose comfort over else. In the end, it’s your work is that matters the most.”
Other panel discussion was also moderated by Zainab Ansari and speakers were Hasan Daudpota, CEO of Keys PR & Productions, World Business Dialogue winner, US State Department alumni and an active social worker said; “I am delighted to be associated with this movement and to be speaking in its first ever conference for Period Pakistan chapter. It will be a good opportunity to talk about the social taboos and learn from the industry experts, impacting the society at large”.
Other three panelist of second panel discussion were Sila Shahid – Co-creator Nisa Kahaniyan by Baithak, Ayesha Amin – sexual reproductive health and rights advocate, Sharmeen Khan – Psychologist, Wellness trainer and Mental health entrepreneur and lastly Asad Zia – physiologist of human behaviors and how the human psyche works.
The 19th Young Leaders Conference is running in full swing at the DreamWorld Resort in Karachi and it had special take away for the youngsters from its second day. Shireen Naqvi, Founder of SoL & YLC was the day champ for this day. The day’s theme, revolving around History, Culture and Narratives shed light on what is the ideology behind Jinnah’s Pakistan.
The day began with the mandatory SOPs check that has been significant at this year’s YLC. The second day was dedicated to taking a stroll down the memory lane of Pakistan, for in order to appreciate the present it is important to have an understanding of the past. Various activities, lectures, and workshops were arranged on the importance of arts, culture, and literature, and to allow a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s 73 years and evolution in the past.
Due to the current situation, few speakers were not able to come to the conference physically but that didn’t stop them from joining YLC. This year, YLC had 3 zoom sessions with Mr. Javed Jabbar, Mr. Raza Rumi, and Dr. Arfa Syeda Zehra. The participants were equally involved these sessions same as they were in the physical sessions. The spirit, the energy and the madness of YLC can never die, no matter what the circumstances are. Aamina Sayyid conducted a beautiful session on the importance of Literature to interpret the power and impact of word, art and culture.
The day also had an alluring theatre play by Sheema Kirmani and group, the theatre was based on a short love story “Love, longing and Death” The performance was a combination of live music, dance, poetry and dialogue. Furthermore, Dr. Adil Omer had a conversation with the participants on stigmatization and stereo-typing that is associated with artists from all walks of life, how in the masses they are treated and called out as “miraasi” hence the youth today needs to be told that beauty of this word and how this word shouldn’t be used as a stigma.
Waqar Ali, Master Trainer and CEO at SoL conducted a session on self-love, and how do we really know ourselves? The session helped the participants to get to know themselves better. Along the way, the session also helped the participants to discover why getting to know each aspect of yourself inside out is important.
This day also included cultural night, all the participants dressed up and got to represent their cultures at YLC, and it was a beautiful buffet of cultures, languages, and colours. The day ended with powerful performances by the participants on Sufism and mysticism in Sindh.
This year’s conference is being held under strict conditions – with careful observations of the venue, participants, as well as the SOPs. The event has been organized with thorough preparations on the part of the organizing committee, in light of the safety and health concerns of all present.
The event has been sponsored and partnered by YLC’s Founding Partner English Biscuit Manufacturers, and Cause Partners FNF, as well as KIA Motors, British Council, Marie Stopes Society, KFC, Viper, Hubco, IBEX. The Jang Group is the official media partner, Suno FM 89.4 as the Official Radio Partner for the conference while Double Click Pvt Ltd. is serving as the PR partner.
“This is a very exhilarating experience for me. I have never seen so many literary icons in one place and it is a real honour to be able to meet them and discuss issues of common interest. The very richness of this occasion fascinates me and creates in me the wish that instead of being a former bureaucrat and now a minister, I should also have followed the profession of art and literature and expressed my thoughts and feelings in a free-flowing manner.”
“As you would be aware, the subject of education is a major priority for the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan and he has given me special instructions to make education viable and progressive if Pakistan is to move ahead on the path of national development. It is events like the Karachi Literature Festival that greatly enable our government to further the cause of education because these events promote the habit of reading and healthy discourse between individuals of all ages.”
This was stated by Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, who was the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the 11th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) on 28th February 2020 at the Beach Luxury Hotel. The Karachi Literature Festival is a three-day event being held on 28, 29 February and March 1.
After the inauguration, on 28 February, the following two days of the Festival will comprise full days of discussions, talks, readings, author signings, art-exhibition, performances, talks and discussions, etc. A food court and book fair have also been set up at the Festival.
The theme of the Festival this year is ‘Across Continents: How the Word Travels.’ As every year for the past ten years, the purpose of KLF is to bring together international and Pakistani writers to promote reading and showcase writing at its best.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan, said, “the institution I head is, by its nature, deeply involved in the process of educating Pakistan. I would suggest to you that an event like the eleventh KLF we are inaugurating today, is part and parcel of that process. By bringing together scholars, intellectuals, artists, writers, and policy makers to engage in discussion over many issues, we are creating living examples of Critical Thinking to place before you. By testing and sharpening new and maybe challenging ideas, we are encouraging innovative thinking and promoting Thought Leadership. In this festive spirit, we continue to encourage the habit of reading among young and old alike.”
Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan delivering welcome speech.
He further added, “KLF brings us together to express ourselves creatively and to engage with the fast changing political situations that surround us, through literature, music, poetry, songs, visual performing arts and other genres. KLF is a platform for people to speak in an open and free forum in celebration of the human spirit in all its forms.”
The Guest of Honour, His Excellency Dr Christian Turner CMG, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, spoke on the occasion of his very interesting experience of being in Pakistan and his deep fascination with the country’s cultural identity.
Remarks were also made on the occasion by Jason Green, Public Affairs Officer US Consulate, and Ms. Anna Ruffino Consul General of Italy in Karachi, while keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. William Dalrymple author and historian and Ms. Zaheda Hina Urdu short story writer and playwright.
Several book awards instituted by KLF were also announced on the occasion. These comprised:
KLF-Infaq Foundation Urdu Literature Prize: The books shortlisted for this prize were Chaar Darweshaur Aik Kachwa by Syed Kashif Raza, Ae Falak-e-Na Insaf by Hasan Manzar and Sindhi Adab: Aik Mukhtasir Tareekh by Attiya Dawood. The winner was Ae Falak-e-Na Insaf by Hasan Manzar. The jury comprised Mr. Asghar Nadeem Syed, Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar, and Mr. Hameed Shahid.
KLF-Getz Pharma Fiction Prize: The shortlisted books were Call Me Al by Sheheryar Sheikh, The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali by Uzma Aslam Khan, Red Birds by Mohammed Hanif and The Selected Works of Abdullah the Cossack by H M Naqvi. Red Birds by Mohammed Hanif won the Prize. The jury of the prize comprised Mr Ghazi Salahuddin, Ms. Hoori Noorani and Dr. Nadya Chishty-Mujahid.
KLF-Habib Metro Non-Fiction Prize: The books short-listed comprised Interpretation of Jihad in South Asia by Tariq Rahman, The Parliament of Pakistan by Mehboob Hussain, and From Kargil to the Coup by Nasim Zehra. Interpretation of Jihad in South Asia by Tariq Rahman was declared the winning entry. The jury of the Prize comprised Dr. Syed Jaffar Ahmed, Mr. Zafar Hilaly and Mr. Muhammad Ali Siddiqi.
The Awards function was followed by a Kathak performance by Zahshanné Malik titled ‘A Tribute to Perveen Shakir’.
The first day of the KLF featured a session ‘The Story of Qawwali’ based on a talk by Ally Adnan which was interspersed with performances by Ghayoor-Moiz-Mustafa Qawwal, Farid Ayaz and Abu Mohammad.
A discussion was held on ‘Education in Pakistan: A Roller Coaster Ride’ and featured Shafqat Mahmood, Asad Ali Shah, Amjad Waheed and Shahid Siddiqui as speakers. Baela Raza Jamil moderated the discussion.
A discussion titled ‘Challenges to International Diplomacy Today’ was also held on the opening day of KLF. The panelists included Christian Turner, Shahid Amin and Tariq Waseem Ghazi and Shaheen Salahuddin was the Moderator.
A session titled ‘Women of Substance’ was also organized centering around the lives of Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto and Asma Jehangir. Participants in the discussion were Victoria Schofield, Sheema Kirmani and Karamat Ali. The moderator was Fouzia Saeed.
‘The Atlantic Muse by the Arabian Sea: Poetry in English’ featured poetry recitations by emerging as well as established poets like Adrian Husain, Arfa Ezazi, Farida Faizullah, Fatima Ijaz, Harris Khalique, Ilona Yusuf, Maya Nadeem, Peerzada Salman, Sadaf Halai and Tehmina Ahmed.
ABOUT Oxford University Press: Oxford University Press (OUP) is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. OUP Pakistan is committed to promoting the reading culture and to improving the intellectual content of life in Pakistan. It has an extensive school and college textbook publishing programme which addresses the need for books that are both of high quality and specific to the environment. It has gained a reputation for publishing well-researched academic and general books which are considered to be authoritative and definitive works on Pakistan
ABOUT Karachi Literature Festival: Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) seeks to create an intellectual space in which the diversity and pluralism in Pakistan’s society and that expressed by authors from literary and cultural traditions beyond Pakistan’s borders can be freely accessible to people in an open and participatory manner.
Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan delivering welcome speech at the inauguration of 11th KLF 2020.
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