I am pleased to share that a meaningful International Women’s Day event was held at Sacred Heart Parish, organized by the Active Youth Group, with the participation of more than 150 women. The theme of the event was “Rights, Dignity, Respect, and Inclusion of All Women and Girls.”
The program was divided into two parts.
 |
 |
 |
 |
In the first part, a panel discussion was organized. The session was moderated with questions focusing on the key challenges faced by women in our society and within the Church. The panelists included Fr. Nadeem Joseph OP, Sr. Josephine Michael OP, Sr. Lucy OP, Ms. Rukhsana Akhtar, and Mr. Ashiknaz Khokhar.
The discussion addressed important issues such as inclusion of women in decision-making processes, women’s leadership, child marriages, forced faith conversions, low wages and limited opportunities for women, discrimination, and violence against women.
Participants were also given the opportunity to engage directly with the panelists by asking questions and sharing their concerns, which made the discussion interactive and impactful.
The second part of the event was dedicated to celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Josephine Michael OP, marking her 50 years of dedicated religious life as a Dominican nun. On this special occasion, we expressed our deep gratitude for her lifelong service to the Church and society. She was honored with flowers and a gift as a token of appreciation.
This program was also dedicated to the loving memory of Late Bonnie Charlie, who passed away last year. The Active Youth Group paid tribute to her by sharing highlights of her life and one of her poems during the program. Her photo was respectfully placed on the event banner as a sign of remembrance and honor.
The event concluded with a message of peace prayer encouraging continued efforts for the dignity, equality, and empowerment of all women and girls in society.
Warm regards,
Ashiknaz Khokhar Active Youth Group - Sahiwal- Pakistan