NEW JERSEY: Women 2 women Forum organized 8 th annual women empowerment gala on the occasion of International Women’s Day in New Jersey.
The organizers also raised funds for the Shehzori Housing Project and honored prominent figures in the community with awards.
The event was held at a local hall in New Jersey and which began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
The event was moderated by executive director of Women 2 Women Benish Ambreen and Danish Ahmed, who introduced the guests and welcomed them.
A large number of prominent figures from the Pakistani American community associated with various sectors attended the event.
Addressing the audience, Founder and President of the Women 2 Women Forum Nusrat Sohail and vice president Ghazal Rehman explained the aims and objectives of the organization.
They said that no project for the welfare of the community can be implemented without the cooperation of the community, and women’s empowerment is essential to strengthen the family and society.
The event was also attended by the first Pakistani-American Assemblywoman elected from New Jersey, Shama Haider, Assemblyman Sterley Stanlay, and Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Aamir Ahmed Atuzai.
The speakers appreciated the performance and services of Women 2 Women. They said that the concept of family cannot survive if domestic violence and other related incidents are not immediately prevented.
A short documentary was also shown to the participants of the event to create awareness about the sub-projects of Women 2 Women, Shehzoori Guest House and Shehzoori Transitional Home.
On this occasion, candles were also lit to pay tribute to the women active in running the project and in the mission of empowering women, and a song was also sung.
The participants were also informed about various incidents that happened to the women who stayed at Shehzori House during the past five years.
Board Executive of Women 2 Women Forum Sidra Jamil shared her experiences. She said that this project is very close to her heart.
Women from the Pakistani American community associated with the fields of civil service, human rights, and social welfare, including Afshin Shamsi, Irum Hanif, Dur-e-Aziz Amina, Maleeha Janjua, Mehreen Syed, and Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, were presented with awards, citations, and bouquets in recognition of their services.
Meanwhile, Noreen Sofia and Rahila Firdous from the Pakistani American community also expressed their views, saying that life is not always easy for anyone, but if there is a purpose, then one gets the courage to live.
Later, Hadi Opal, son of renowned singer Shiraz Opal, presented the famous sufi poetry “Tu Kuja Man Kuja” which was appreciated by the audience. He also sang other songs on request of the audience.
Founder of the Woman 2 Woman Forum Nusrat Sohail also expressed her gratitude to all her sponsors.
