News Desk
Lahore: The Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO) Lahore, in collaboration with several faith-based and social organizations, marked International Women’s Day with a large-scale event at the Renewal Center in Lahore. Under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” the event aimed to recognize the contributions of women and advocate for gender equality.
The gathering, attended by more than 700 women and young girls, brought together various Catholic commissions, women’s groups, social activists, and political representatives. The chief guest, Archbishop Benny Mario Traves, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore, emphasized the importance of empowering women and ensuring their active participation in society.
The day began with a Holy Mass led by Archbishop Traves, who commended the role of Christian women in various fields and stressed the need for their continued empowerment. Rev. Fr. Akram Javed, Parish Priest of St. John’s Parish, Youhanabad, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts behind the celebration, acknowledging the contributions of Sajid Christopher, President of Human Friends OrganizaFood (HFO), and Fr. Amjed Yousaf, Director of the Renewal Center Lahore.
Sister Samina Mukhtar from the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Convent, Gulberg, underscored the importance of faith in shaping strong women leaders, encouraging them to take an active role in family and societal development.
During the program, Ms. Sumbal Naeem, Executive Board Member of CWO, provided a historical overview of International Women’s Day, tracing its roots back to 1911, when female garment factory workers demanded equal pay, better working conditions, and labor rights. She also highlighted the United Nations’ 2025 theme, stressing the need for action to ensure justice and opportunities for all women, regardless of background.
Speakers at the event, including Rev. Fr. Nobal Lal, Rector of Don Bosco Technical Youth Center, and Ms. Shania Asher, Project Manager at Pak Mission Society, encouraged women to pursue technical skills and entrepreneurship to secure better economic opportunities. They emphasized that investing in women’s empowerment could lead to greater contributions to society.
Advocate Zunaria Patrick Sundu discussed the legal challenges faced by women in Pakistan, calling for increased awareness of their rights and stronger community support in advocating for justice.
Key figures, including Sr. Genevieve Ram Lal, National Director of CWO and a member of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Mr. Amjed Gulzar, National Executive Director of Caritas Pakistan, and Mr. Sajid Christopher, President of Human Friends Organization, commended the organizers for their commitment to gender equality. They stressed that true social progress requires equal access to fundamental rights, financial resources, and opportunities for women and girls.
Cultural performances, including songs and dances by women’s groups and young girls, highlighted the challenges women face in education, healthcare, and economic participation. These performances reinforced the message of empowerment, illustrating the transformative role of women in their families and communities.
The event also featured stalls showcasing handcrafted products made by women, promoting their entrepreneurial efforts.
Ms. Shaheen Yousaf, Diocesan Coordinator of CWO Lahore, expressed her appreciation for the support and participation of various organizations. She reaffirmed her commitment to continuing such collaborative efforts to advance women’s rights and opportunities in the future.