ISLAMABAD: As International Women’s Day was celebrated on Friday, six Pakistani women took on the responsibility of ambassador for a day of six countries.

The Canadian High Commission hosted its second annual ‘Ambassadors for the Day’ - an initiative that aimed to provide the opportunity to the young women to step into the shoes of the head of mission for Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria and Bulgaria and experience the day-to-day responsibilities of this important role.

Aligned with this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, the programme offered the ‘Ambassadors for the Day’ a unique opportunity to interact with diplomats, engage with government officials, civil society and media, as well as take part in various cultural diplomacy activities.

This year, the initiative gained widespread support from the diplomatic community in Pakistan, including the delegation of the European Union to Pakistan, the embassies of Germany, Austria and Bulgaria, the British High Commission, the foreign ministry, National Heritage and Culture Division and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

The participants commenced the day by meeting with their respective heads of mission and their internal teams of diplomats while assuming the role of head of mission and taking control of official social media accounts.

They then attended an official lunch engagement with Senator Sherry Rehman, hosted by Dr Riina Kionka, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan and German Ambassador Alfred Grannas to discuss how the international community must continue to engage in combating climate change and its devastating impacts, as well as advancing the progress of women’s participation in politics.

Continuing their journey as diplomats, the six ‘Ambassadors for the Day’ attended a briefing by the Foreign Office spokesperson.

The day culminated with a collaborative cultural diplomacy event at the PNCA where the participants greeted guests and toured them around the various art exhibits and attractions.

Congratulating the young women, Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon said: “I am thrilled that we were able to organise this meaningful initiative for a second year and to garner the support of the government of Pakistan and colleagues from so many diplomatic missions dedicated to the same goal of supporting the empowerment of girls globally. This year’s Ambassador for a Day for Canada was Eman, a young and ambitious student from Karachi who had been a strong advocate for tackling climate change in Sindh.”

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott said: “I have been in awe at Umama’s drive and passion to make Pakistan a more inclusive country. Seeing her in action today, I’ve no doubt that if she wanted to, she’d make a formidable ambassador. I am also grateful to her for sharing her thoughtful insights on how young adults can drive gender equality.”

German Ambassador Alfred Grannas said: “Empowering women means embracing diversity, fostering inclusion and unlocking humanity’s full potential. With this in mind, I am honoured to give centre stage to Fatima, so she can be a voice for the women of her generation.”

European Union Ambassador Dr Riina Kionka said this initiative was all about inclusivity and inspiring girls to be future leaders.

“We are excited that Seher Raza has stepped into the role of EU ambassador for a day. She is from Dera Ismail Khan and aspires to join the foreign service of Pakistan. We need more women in diplomacy.”

Chief Commissioner’s Office

A series of events were held in connection with International Women’s Day on Friday that called for empowering women, protecting their rights and celebrating their role in society.

In Islamabad, the Chief Commissioner’s Office organised an enriching event under the theme ‘Breaking Barriers’.

A number of distinguished guests attended the event, including National Heritage and Culture Secretary Humaira Ahmed and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Interior Aisha Humera Chaudhry.

Speaking about the event, Director General, Chief Commissioner Office, Asim Ayub, said: “Through initiatives like these, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable environment where women can thrive and break barriers.”

Renowned figures who shared their insights and experiences comprised figures such as ILO Country Director for Pakistan Geir Tonstol, businesswoman and philanthropist Huma Fakhar, cartoonist and CEO at Gogi Studios Nigar Nazar, CEO Hive Syed Ali Abbas, philanthropists Zeejah Fazli and Hina Abidi and lawyer and climate expert Zunaira Fayyaz.

Another event was organised on the occasion, which was attended by the WHO coordinator and deputy commissioner. Certificates were distributed in recognition of the services of women polio workers.

According to the capital administration spokesperson, the deputy commissioner women workers had worked hard during the polio campaign to ensure the achievement of the target.

Gilgit-Baltistan

International Women’s Day was also celebrated in Gilgit-Baltistan with a function held in the old GB Assembly Hall in Chinarbagh.

The event was organised by the GB government in collaboration with Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP). Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, ministers Haji Abdul Hameed Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed, women representatives from AKRSP, local social organisations and other officials participated.

The chief minister said the Gilgit-Baltistan government had started work on many projects to empower women through women-friendly policies in a short period of time.

“Women development directorates have been established in all divisions besides skill development centres for small and medium enterprises and IT departments have been established in 34 tehsils of Gilgit-Baltistan to provide employment to women. There will be an alternative way, and these women will move towards independence, and so far, 23,000 women have been empowered,” he said.

AKRSP announced the launch of the Women Web Portal, created and operated with the support of Global Affairs Canada and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada under the BEST4WEER project.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2024