PESHAWAR The four-day Young Women Leaders Summit concluded in Murree the other day. Organized by The NATIVES, a youth-led organization dedicated to the empowerment and development of youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Pakistan, the summit was sponsored by the Directorate of Youth Affairs KP. The event focused on empowering young women from the newly merged districts of KP.
The summit featured a mix of celebrations, educational sessions, exposure visits, social networking, and entertainment. Thirty-five young women from the newly merged and southern districts of KP participated. The attendees expressed their gratitude to the Directorate of Youth Affairs, KP, for providing such an enriching and informative experience, especially for those young women who have often been left behind in terms of opportunities.
The summit kicked off with ice-breaking and introductory sessions where participants shared their expectations, hopes, and views about the summit. The event was hosted by Ms. Nida, a participant from Bannu Wazir Subdivision. The first day of the summit culminated in vibrant New Year celebrations marked by music and fireworks, symbolizing their aspirations for a prosperous future.
The second day focused on empowering young women with knowledge. Renowned trainer and women’s rights activist Jayaa Jaggi from Islamabad led interactive sessions on women’s empowerment, the role of women in promoting social harmony, and the importance of political participations. She commended the participants for their dedication and praised the instrumental support of the Directorate of Youth Affairs KP in facilitating such initiatives. After the sessions, the group enjoyed a visit to Mall Road Murree and PC Bhurban, where they attended a live music performance.
On the third day, Dr. Zafar Khan and Dr. Nadia conducted insightful sessions on early marriages and activism against gender-based violence. The participants engaged actively with the trainers, asking numerous questions to better understand these pressing issues. The day also included a visit to New Murree, where participants enjoyed the scenic views and various recreational activities such as swings and chairlifts.
The final day of the summit was dedicated to discussions on female education and the role of culture in women’s empowerment. Mr. Asif Khan, a researcher in this field, led the session, sharing valuable insights on how education and cultural norms influence the advancement of women. The participants left with a deeper understanding of these critical issues.
The four-day event proved to be an empowering experience for the young women of KP, who expressed their gratitude towards the Directorate of Youth Affairs KP for creating such opportunities. The trainers and facilitators also praised the Directorate’s ongoing support for the empowerment of female youth, highlighting the promising future of women from the newly merged districts and KP as a whole. They urged the Directorate to continue its efforts to provide young women with the tools they need to compete in today’s fast-paced world.
