The grand opening ceremony of 4th Women Conference 2023 at Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi started with a significant address by President ACP, Mohammad Ahmed Shah (SI). The keynote speakers for the event were Syed Jaffer Ahmed and Noorul Huda Shah. A special guest of honor was extended to Syeda Shela Raza. The distinguished guests who graced the stage were Zehra Nigah, Majida Rizvi, Sultana Siddiqui, Mehtab Akber Rashidi, Zubeida Mustafa, Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Ghazi Salahuddin, Kishwar Zehra, Qudsia Akber, and Anis Haroon. Dr. Huma Mir served as the MC for the opening ceremony.
Sessions
Natural Disasters Climate Changes & Women
The first session on day 1 was titled "Natural Disasters, Climate Changes & Women" which focused on the looming danger of climate change that creates natural disasters, and the role of women highlighting this important issue. The panel speakers for this session included Noorul Huda Shah, Zofeen Ebrahim, Sheereen Mustafa, and Saba Edhi. Afia Salam served as the moderator for the session.
Koi Dekhe Toh Chiraghon Ka Firozan Hona
The second session on day 1 was an interesting youth-oriented session titled “Koi Dekhe Toh Chiraghon Ka Firozan Hona”. The panel speakers for this session included Zahra Aziz, Dhuha Alvi, Ramsha Khan, Wareesha, Zainab Rahimtoola, and Ustad Rozi. Inshal Javed served as the moderator for this session.
Celebrating our Icon Lives
The third session on day 1 was dedicated to celebrating our women icons. A tribute to several celebrated women in our country. Ghazi Salahuddin discussed the legacy of “ASMA JAHANGIR”, Faisal Edhi discussed “BILQUIS EDHI”, Anis Haroon discussed “RUBINA SAIGOL”, Mashood Rizvi discussed “ANITA GHULAM ALI” and Naeem Mirza discussed “NIGAR AHMED & SHAHLA RAZA”. Aftreen Sehar served as the moderator for this session.
Violence & Our Justice System
The fourth session on day 1 was titled “Violence & Our Justice System” which discussed the violence women face in society and the lack of a proper justice system to provide them safety. The panel speakers for this session included Malka Khan, Kalpana Dei, Zahida Parveen, and Merub Moiz Awan. Afreen Sehar served as the moderator for this session.
Khawateen Mushaira
Day 1st of 4th Women Conference 2023 was closed off with a grand Khawateen Mushaira which had famous female poets from around the world including Rehana Lodhi, Attiya Dawood, Rukhsaa Saba, Nasira Zuberi, Nuzhat Abbasi, Humaira Rahat, Shaista Mufti and Anjila Himesh. The Mushaira was presided by Tanveer Anjum and was moderated by Ambreen Haseeb Amber.
Working Women Struggle & Achievements
Day 2 started with an interesting discussion session titled “Working Women Struggle & Achievements” which discussed the struggle and achievements of working women. The speaking panel for this session included Zehra Akbar Khan, Bushra Arain, Farhat Parveen, and Karamat Ali. Mahnaz Rahman served as the moderator for this session.
Women’s Education
The second session of day 2 was titled “Women’s Education” which discussed the importance of education for women and the hurdles they face to get it. It was president by Zubeida Mustafa. The speaking panel of this session included Tariq Rafi, Syed Jaffer Ahmed, Sadiqa Salahuddin, and Naheed Shah Durrani. Fouzia Khan served as the moderator for this session.
Women’s Movements in Pakistan: Achievements and Challenges
The third session of day 2 was titled “Women’s Movements in Pakistan: Achievements and Challenge” which discussed the history of the women’s movement in Pakistan, the challenges they faced and their achievements. The speaking panel for this session included Anis Haroon, Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Uzma Noorani, Hina Jilani, Amar Sandhu, and Arfana Mallah. Qurat Mirza served as the moderator for this session.
Women’s Health (Reproductive Rights & Issues, Mental Health & Wellness)
The fourth session of day 2 was titled “Women’s Health (Reproductive Rights & Issues, Mental Health & Wellness” which discussed the important issues regarding women’s health such as their reproductive rights the issues they face, and the importance of their mental health and wellness. The speaking panel for this session included Shershah Syed, Rufina Soomro, Rubina Hussain, and Ayesha Mian. Huma Mir served as the moderator for this session.
ROLE OF WOMEN IN MEDIA
The fifth and final session of day 2 was titled “Role of Women in Media” which discussed the role of women in print and electronic media and their role in advancing society forward. The speaking panel of this session included Bee Gul, Asma Shirazi, Amber Rahim Shamsi, Huma Amir Shah, and Kaif Ghaznavi. Najia Asher served as the moderator for this session.
Dance Performance
A memorizing dance performance by Sheema Kermani adorned the conference. The attendees were enthralled by the enchanting steps of classical dance of Sheema Kermani.
Musical Performance
4th Women Conference 2023 – ACPIKHI ended with a sensational and captivating musical performance by ACP Academy students. The attendees were left grooving on the music rhymes as the curtains falls towards the end of the 4th Women Conference 2023.