News Desk
Lahore, 5th October 2024:
As the world celebrates International Teachers’ Day on October 5th, one individual stands out for her tireless dedication to education and women’s empowerment in Pakistan: Sister Zeph. A respected women’s education expert, children’s rights advocate, and environmental activist, Sister Zeph has spent decades improving the lives of some of the country’s most vulnerable communities. Her work through the Zephaniah Women Education and Empowerment Foundation (ZWEE) and Evaz Children’s Ministry has brought educational opportunities and empowerment programs to women and children who face significant socio-economic barriers.
Sister Zeph’s journey began with a vision of transforming the educational landscape for disadvantaged communities in Pakistan, particularly women and girls who often lack access to quality education. Her work has garnered international recognition, with accolades including the Bioneers Change Makers Award from the USA and the Lynn Syms Global Prize from World Pulse. A film based on her life, “Flight of the Falcons,” produced by Channel News Asia Singapore, won a gold medal at the New York Film Festival in 2016, further solidifying her global impact.
Her efforts extend beyond education. Sister Zeph has become a prominent figure in promoting interfaith harmony and environmental advocacy, particularly through her involvement with international organizations. As a member of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers and an ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation, she has worked to bridge cultural divides and foster inclusive, equitable communities.
In recognition of her significant contributions, Sister Zeph has received numerous awards over the years, including the Outstanding Performance Award by Eternal Life Ministry of Pakistan International, the Gold Medal for Humanity from Kar-E-Khair Pakistan, and the Minority Women’s Leadership Award from Governor Punjab Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman in 2023. Notably, she was the first Pakistani to win the prestigious Global Teachers Prize from the Varkey Foundation, in collaboration with UNESCO and Dubai Care.
Her foundation, ZWEE, continues to provide free, high-quality education to disadvantaged children, while also offering vocational training to women. Through these initiatives, Sister Zeph has empowered thousands of individuals, fostering not just academic learning but a path to self-reliance and economic independence.
International Teachers’ Day serves as a fitting moment to celebrate Sister Zeph’s ongoing contributions to education in Pakistan. Her work, a testament to the transformative power of dedicated teaching, continues to inspire hope for a more equitable and educated future for all.