On December 3rd, 2023, Soormiyun, a cultural arm of the Women Impact Network-Pakistan (WIN-PAKISTAN), orchestrated a dynamic celebration at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad. In collaboration with the Sindh Cultural Department and Takori, the event, aptly titled Women Celebrating Sindhi Culture Day (WSCD2023), aimed to spotlight the rich heritage of Sindhi culture while emphasizing cultural harmony and women’s empowerment across diverse fields and backgrounds.
Event Highlights
Distinguished figures graced the event, including Syed Junaid Ali Shah, Minister of Culture; Abdul Aleem Lashari, Secretary of Culture; and Munawer Ali Maheser, DG Sindh Culture Department, all collaborating to make the event a resounding success. Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting, inaugurated the event, while Mr. Madad Ali Sindhi, Federal Minister of Education, presided over the ceremony, adding prestige to the celebration.
Mr. Kashif Siddqui and Ms. Tahira Joyo skillfully conducted the proceedings. Gulnaz Shaikh, the Founder of Soormiyun and WIN-Pakistan, extended a warm welcome to the guests, followed by insightful speeches from various speakers, including Abdul Razik Khatak, Brigadier Tarq Lakhair, Ambassador Ahsan Waggan, Ms. Sadaf Raza, Ms. Shabana Saleem, Ms. Nida, Ms. Beenish Shaikh, Dayo, and Ms. Naheed Fatima. The event concluded with a soulful rendition of the Soormiyun Anthem by Ms. Sajida Irfan.
Event Themes and Activities
The event revolved around multiple themes, notably promoting cultural harmony among the youth, highlighting women’s roles in addressing global warming, and empowering women from diverse walks of life. Highlights included Tableaus reflecting Sindhi cultural diversity, presentations on Soormiyun’s journey, cultural performances, and a panel discussion on women’s societal and cultural roles. Additionally, a documentary by the talented Sindhi filmmaker Kainat Thebo and a performance by Shaheen Gul, the first woman to revive the dying culture of Chang, a musical instrument in Sindh, captivated the audience.
Vision and Commitment
The WSCD event emphasized the significance of extending these programs beyond a singular day, stressing Sindh’s identity as the land of Sufism and Soormiyun’s role in spreading the message of cultural diversity, love, peace, and gender equality through women’s empowerment. The initiative envisioned a society free from extremism, where cultural diversities flourish and are celebrated, serving as a testament to Soormiyun’s commitment to fostering these ideals.
Promoting Understanding and Unity
The celebration welcomed individuals from diverse communities, showcasing the vibrant Sindhi culture and underscoring the potency of cultural exchange in promoting understanding and unity among disparate communities. Soormiyun reiterated its dedication to organizing events that promote cultural diversity, peace, love, gender equality, and women’s empowerment in society. The panel discussion entitled “Inspire Inclusion to Inspire Unity in Diversity” convened esteemed individuals from diverse backgrounds, each contributing unique perspectives to the discourse, including Mr. Safeer Ullah Khan, Ms. Afshan Huma, Ms. Seema Farooque, Ms. Sadia Bukhari, and Ms. Rakhshinda.
Conclusion
The Women Celebrating Sindhi Cultural Day 2023 was a beacon of hope and inspiration for a future where cultural diversity is embraced, and women are empowered to actualize their full potential. Soormiyun’s unwavering commitment to these values continues to shape a more inclusive and harmonious society, marking this event as a pivotal milestone in celebrating Sindhi culture and fostering unity amidst diversity.
The event partners included OGDCL, All Sindh Sangeetkar Association (ASSA), Centre for Advocacy, Research, and Democracy (CARD), Media 360, Justajoo Foundation, Changan Auto Islamabad, and CBA Digital Distribution Platform.
