Pakistan Consulate General in Chicago holds event to mark International Women's Day
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago and Pakistani Ladies Association in U.S. Midwest (PLAM) jointly hosted an event to commemorate International Women's Day on Tuesday March 8, 2022. The event was attended by women leaders from Pakistani-American community, members of the Consular Corps and civil society.
The day was beginning with a political segment emceed by Arshia Hussnain. President Speech conduct by Zar Negar Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Tariq Karim appreciated the Pakistani American women as leaders, innovators and change makers and for their contribution in promoting Pakistan-US partnership as bridge builder.
Lauding the emerging role of women as partners in Pakistan's national development in different capacities, the Consul General reiterated that Pakistan was committed to empowering women at all levels of society by taking concrete steps for enhancing political/civic representation and financial inclusion. He highlighted that the level of women's representation in Pakistan is amongst the top in the region. The Consul General stated that Pakistan as a signatory to several international commitments on gender equality and women's rights has taken several steps towards strengthening the legislation related to women empowerment. He also briefed about the strengthening institutional framework for the protection of women in Pakistan.
The Consul General urged the Pakistani American women to continue to play their active role as leaders and innovators while contributing to fostering closer ties between the two people and countries.
He also highlighted the need for the international community to extend solidarity and support to the oppressed women in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who are enduring egregious human rights abuses.
In her remarks, patron of Pakistani Ladies Association in U.S. Midwest (PLAM). Mrs. Aasma Tariq briefed about PLAM's objectives which, inter alia, include promotion of Pakistani culture and soft power and the strengthening of the role of Pakistani-American women. She also highlighted the contribution made by Pakistani women in every sphere of public life, while lauding the Pakistani- American women as leaders and change makers.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern Michigan District Ms. Saima Mohsin and elected officials Saadia G. Covert and Bushra Amiwala highlighted various aspects of their lives and narrated their own experiences which had shaped the course of their successful professional careers.
Illinois Attorney General sent a special message on the occasion which was read by his representative Nettie Lasko.
The event was covered by many of the mainstream and ethnic media, including many Chicago television networks. The event was widely attended by women leaders from among the Pakistani American community.
Dinner was served at the event. The program was very well organized, prestigious, and enjoyed by the attendees and will be remembered for a long time.