IPDS to hold Emerging Young Women Leaders Congress on April 5-6

Islamabad: (Parliament Times) The Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, in collaboration with the Australian Government, the City School and Women Regional Network, is hosting the “Emerging Young Women Leaders Congress” on April 5 – 6.
Ms Marvi Memon, Minister of State, Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program attended the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest. Ms. Marvi Memon has also been conferred recently with the highly prestigious Speaker’s Democracy Award by Speaker of the House Of Commons John Bercow.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Marvi said that women need to strive hard and there is nothing that cannot be done by women and there is a lot that we can all work together to empower to reach out to the women of Pakistan. She has invited the participants of the Congress fellows to the Benazir Income Support Program for briefing session also.
Ms. Farhat Asif, President Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies said that the event is mean to bridge the gap between the young and experienced women leaders. Mr Jurek Juszczyk, a/g Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan also attended the event and said that Australia was pleased to be supporting the Emerging Young Women Leaders Congress. “Promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are priorities for the Australian Government in Australia, Pakistan and internationally,” he said.
The two-day event brings together 25 emerging women leaders from across the country including Gilgit-Baltistan, FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan, Sindh, Punjab, and AJ&K. The Congress will provide an opportunity for young women leaders to interact with experienced women leaders from different sectors. Mentoring opportunities will help bridge the gap between emerging and experienced women leaders, providing opportunity for learning and collaboration on issues women face in reaching positions of leadership.
“Women in leadership positions influence the aspiration of subsequent generations,” said Mr Juszczyk, “therefore increasing the number of women in senior or visible roles is a viable longer-term strategy for exponential change”.
Ms. Kishwar Sultana, Women Regional Network invited the participants to join the network after highlighting the phenomenal work of the Women Regional Network.
The Congress is aimed to inspire and facilitate an advanced exchange of fresh ideas, knowledge and experience of leadership building and networking for women in Pakistan.
This is the second Emerging Young Women Leaders Congress to be organized by the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies. The first event was held in 2015 and was inaugurated by Mrs. Tawakkol Abdel Salam Karman (Nobel Peace Laureate, 2011) when she was here on her historic visit to Pakistan. Mrs. Karman also laid the foundation stone of Centre for Women Peace and Security at the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies.