Women’s Day Feature

International Women’s Dayomen’s Day

This Women’s Day T.Edit brought together a diverse group of strong and independent women from all walks of life to share their thoughts and views about what it means to be an empowered woman in today’s world, especially in Pakistan. Is it true that women are natural born multi-taskers or is that a burden set on them by society? What keeps them going when they face challenges from various quarters of life? What keeps them connected? Let’s fi nd out!

Nuria Rafique-Iqbal Lawyer and Philanthropist This is a wonderful time as women’s voices are now being heard thanks to the efforts of those who have gone before us. We need to keep up the momentum by supporting each other. Those of us who have found our voice must speak up for those of us who don’t. Together we are stronger.

Sana Khurshid Lawyer (LL.M) Disability Advocate and Equal Rights Activist for the Differently Abled Smiling in your darkest moments makes you a survivor. Never giving up even when nothing is going your way is what makes you an inspiration. When you fight all odds and decide to live is what makes you a warrior.

Ayesha Jehanzeb Anchor, Educationist and Mother Let’s become each other’s strength and an ocean of empowerment and encompass the positivity of our existence relentlessly radiating it to make this a better place for all generations to come.

Laaleen Sukhera Author and Communications Consultant. If we don’t stand up for ourselves and each other, nothing will change, nothing will improve. There’s no reason to suffer in silence or be a quiet bystander. Express empathy, not apathy. Show concern, not scorn. We are stronger than we realise and a whole lot tougher with a united front.

Amber Imran Content Consultant, Writer and Homemaker Hustle, Hustle, Hustle! said anxious me to myself, you’re an empowered queen, believe in yourself! Over everything, you’ve got sway! Would you have it any other way? I’m every

woman and so are you,

we can beat the odds, black and blue! Together, we can surpass the limits of length, for we’re the links that make the chain of strength!

JahanAra M Wattoo Politician and human rights advocate My message is educate your girl child. Education is the key to change and for empowerment. I believe there is no creature powerful on earth but an educated woman.

Dr Zoona Saeed Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits! Sahar Atif Designer, Entrepreneur and Academic Nature nurtures by means of a women-the wind beneath the wings of many soaring flights. Rarely coming forth for a curtain call or an applaud of recognition. Let us celebrate these unsung heroes-our mothers, sisters, daughters and the many roles they assume.

Tania Durrani Humanitarian/Reproductive Health and Population Sector Specialist I am proud of the woman I am today, because I have gone through so much to become her. And to all of those who confront their various circumstances, the hurdles, the challenges, the sacrifices, the injustices and the compromises they make

will compel them to find the inner strength needed to overcome life’s battles with dignity. Love yourself today.

Hina Adil Khan Anchor Express News Empower yourself and show the world that you are the epitome of valor, bravery, strength and power. Do not turn yourself into a mere decoration piece instead beautify your character and thinking. The world has seen enough

women who can

style themselves but now this world needs such women who can work on their intellect as well. You are one of the wonders of God. Acknowledge that and never ever let anybody make you think or feel otherwise.

Sadia Salman Nutritionist and CEO of Diet by Design. (Former Bureaucrat) Womanhood is defined by beauty and strength and there is nothing more beautiful than a kind heart and an empathetic soul.

Mahnaz Hussain Design Dimension, Furniture and Interior Designer My late father, Ashiq Qureshi, is my true hero and the greatest feminist I knew. He brought up four independent, successful working women with the faith that we could achieve anything if we put

our mind to it and if our heart and soul was in the right place. The women in my life, my mother, grandmother, sisters and friends were the wind beneath my wings. Feminism isn’t just about women supporting and building each other up but the role the men closest to us play too.

Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur Consultant Aesthetic Dermatologist and Spokesperson Punjab Government I am honoured to be a woman. The right to love, forgive, show gratitude and celebrate life is our destiny if we choose. Pakistan will rise as women are given a greater role economically and socially. Remember it is a mother who develops character and integrity in her children and shapes a nation. Dr Mariam Haider (PhD.) Educational Psychologist and LUMS Faculty Member Have confidence in your beliefs and ideas and support others in theirs. Together we can soar!

Nida Bano Qureshi Founder and Creative Director of creative agency NBProductions If we women don’t stand up for ourselves, who will? If we women don’t take or hold on to our space, who will? If we women don’t fight misogynistic labels, who will? It’s time we stood up and took notice of ourselves. Don’t underestimate your

power and definitely don’t give it away. Don’t let anyone limit your abilities or define your boundaries. You decide for you. You alone have the power. And when we combine our power we women can become a formidable force.

Hifsa Saad Khan CEO and Founder at Hifsa Khan Salon & Studio I believe, there is no limit to what women can achieve.Know your worth. Set ambitious targets, scale fast and don’t lose sight of your eventual goals. We can all change the world if we really believe in it.

Rima Farid Pr and Events Management/Consultancy I believe in making the impossible, possible. I strongly believe that women build women. We are born with the ability to face challenges head on and come out strong. Our undeniable faith in Allah, ourselves is the tool that keeps us pushing in life and achieve all goals we set out for. Be the positive energy in people’s life. Stand up for youself and your beliefs. Lead with your heart and trust your gut.