Women Empowerment

2016 YouthCSW Declaration on Gender Equality and the Human Rights of Young Women and Girls

Blog, Youth4Peace, , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I was extremely honored to be part of the #YouthCSW Declaration on Gender Equality and the Human Rights of Young Women and Girls. In 2030, we, the youth, in all our diversities, want to see a fully inclusive world where….

  • We lead gender-just implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
  •  Young women and girls are at the table, making decisions on issues that affect us.
  • We are the last generation who can solve climate change.
  • We choose what happens to our bodies.
  • Youth of all genders live free from violence.
  • Young women and girls have built a peaceful world with other generations.
  • Opportunities, responsibilities and resources are equally shared.
  • Migrants are not victims of systemic injustice.
  • We are not sexual objects.
  • Faith leaders act upon faith principles to uphold our dignity.
  • We are not told who can play which sports.
  • Young men and boys are partners in sustaining gender equality.
  • Youth are civil society leaders at all levels.

Continue reading →

Why I Am A Feminist? A conversation with a student!

Blog, Human Rights, United Nations, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

One of my friend named, Reem, a high school student, who takes Women & Gender studies class asked me following questions as part of her project. I met Reem at the United Nations headquarters in New York. I told her about my activities and passion.  I gave her following answers and thought to publish them as well. The idea of this post is to encourage the people to join our movement, He For She as well as to raise awareness.

Credits: Huffington Post

Credits: Huffington Post

  • What inspired you to become a Feminist?

Ans: When I saw the cruelties and violence against women around the globe, I stood up against them and challenged dogmatic beliefs that were encouraging violence against women. I’m a feminist because of my and every mother, sister, and daughter around the globe. I’m a feminist because this world cannot advance alone. Both men and women can achieve a peaceful future together. It’s not just for our generations but for the generations to come.
Continue reading →

He For She: The mission of my life!

Blog, , , , Leave a comment

It was one of the great days of my life when I had an opportunity to volunteer during the launching ceremony of UN Women’s HeForShe campaign for gender equality in September last year. I was stunned to hear UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador Ms. Emma Watson’s speech live at the United Nations headquarters.

She left us some questions to ask ourselves for standing up for gender equality and women empowerment, “If not me, who? If not now, when?”

These words went straight to my heart.

I was the man – number 84, to take the commitment to be a HeForShe after United Nations Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon became the first ever signatory of this campaign.

As they say, every person makes a difference. I started utilizing my networks in Pakistan and worldwide. I asked my friends and fellow global citizens to be the ambassadors of this campaign and be the example for the youngsters and students in their country. Soon, HeForShe became my introduction. I always tell people that I am a HeForShe and a concerned global citizen.

Continue reading →

Why Young People should stand for Peace?

Blog, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , One comment

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
(Martin Luther King, Jr.)

I believe Peace can only be achieved without wars and by non-violent actions. We might first think that resolution of conflict can be occurred by using violence and force. If we see the history, wars always led us to more dangerous consequences. It endangered the living on planet. The concept of wars should be demolished now. It’s enough for the world suffered with the destruction of and by mankind.

Reflecting on some personal stories I have pinned many reason which motivated me to go for peace activities. In 2005, I was the victim of massive earthquake in Pakistan. 2009 and 2010 were the years when suicide bombings have had paralyzed the normal flow of life in my country. In the earthquake we lost many loved ones, many were wounded… it have stimulated me to join Pakistan Red Crescent Society. After the events in 2009/2010, I have taken part of Emergency Response Teams administering first Aid and search and rescue operation in the wake of attacks..

Continue reading →