Pakistan's Embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara organized an event Thursday titled “Women's Leadership” on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8.
The event, held at the ambassador's residence, was attended by Pakistan's Ambassador Yusuf Cuneyd, Türkiye's Future Party Antalya Deputy Serap Yazici Ozbudun, the first Turkish female archer to win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games, Gizem Girismen, Ankara University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Yasemin Kepenekci, the President of the Spouses as Heads of Missions (SHOM) Association, Louma Kabalan Muallim, the president of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spouses Solidarity Association (DMEDD) and professor of Sociology at Ankara Social Sciences University, Prof. Dr. Sebnem Akcapar, and the founder of the Women's Studies Department at the Middle East Technical University's (METU) Social Sciences Institute, Prof. Dr. Feride Acar.
The event began with the recitation of verses from the Muslim holy Quran and continued with a video highlighting women who have played a leading role in political and social issues in Pakistan.
Following the singing of the Pakistani National Anthem and the Türkiye's National Anthem, participants delivered speeches.
Ambassador Cuneyd highlighted the need to celebrate International Women's Day not only on March 8 but every day.
He expressed his support for both oppressed and successful women, noting that the world has witnessed progress in achieving equality between men and women, with women holding high positions in many places.
Cuneyd underlined that without women having equal rights, progress in any field of society would be hindered.
He mentioned that many of the books he reads are written by female authors, illustrating how these books provide insights into the meaning of life.
Deputy Ozbudun highlighted the importance of International Women's Day for emphasizing women's economic, political and social rights.
She said that women face various challenges every day throughout the year, adding that women should fight these challenges threatening equality between men and women.
Girismen said that every athlete dreams of having their determination and efforts crowned with a medal, and she found it gratifying that her success encourages women to set new goals for themselves.
Kepenekci emphasized that women's position in society has strengthened with their demands for political and social rights, and female leaders have found their place in public life.
Muallim underlined the necessity for women to continue fighting for their rights, saying that religions already acknowledge women's rights.
Akcapar drew attention to the low participation of women in employment, politics and academia, noting that women face a "glass ceiling" that halts their ascent in their careers.
Prof. Acar highlighted that International Women's Day is not only a day of celebration but also a day of questioning.
She highlighted the importance of renewing awareness about the problems and challenges women face.
