International Women’s Day brings women from around the world to the
Ismaili Centre, London
After addressing the gathering, Dr Kathryn Spellman Poots, Assistant
Professor at the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim
Civilisations, takes questions from the audience. Photo: Sadrudin Verjee
After hearing the professor discuss gender issues in her home
country, Mison Eljiadi had to speak up.
She was eager to share her perspective on how the status of women in
Libya has improved over the past four decades. The 35-year-old dentist
who lives in Surrey told the American-born lecturer that she feels
in-between cultures, tugged by her strong Libyan roots and the draw from
the West.
For Eljiadi, it was an unexpected gift to celebrate International
Women’s Day at the Ismaili Centre, London, and hear Dr Kathryn Spellman
Poots, Assistant Professor at the Aga Khan University Institute for the
Study of Muslim Civilisations, talk analytically about the country that
shaped most of her life.
Nurani Nathoo, a Montessori teacher and Ismaili religious educator,
speaks about her motivation to excel. Photo: Sadrudin Verjee
“I was very happy because no one generally knows about Libya,” said
Eljiadi. “I was happy Kathryn had been there a few times.”
Eljiadi’s was one example of the meeting of hearts and minds that was
repeated over and over again during the event on Saturday, 6 March.
In keeping with the
Equal rights, Equal opportunities theme
of International Women’s Day 2010, women from diverse backgrounds came
together to celebrate, identify their strengths and hear about
inspirational women in far flung parts of the world, as well as those
who were sitting next to them.
Women don traditional clothing from around the world as part of
International Women`s Day celebrations. Photo: Sadrudin Verjee
“I refuse to be a victim,” said Nurani Nathoo, a young Montessori
teacher and Ismaili religious educator who is in a wheelchair. She
added: “I have loneliness at times and fears of rejection. I am
motivated to excel and reach my full potential. I am passionate about
life and would like to make the most of it.” She added that she believes
that her fate has been granted her because she can handle it.
Having touched the women in the audience with renewed hope, Nathoo
and the other participants smiled as life coach Azmina Jiwa told them
about the differences between whining ducks and soaring eagles — those
who go round and round in circles compared to the movers and shakers of
life.
Jiwa also spoke about the role of the human spirit in achieving
excellence in an enabling environment. She shared practical steps for
reaching one’s aspirations and juggling the different elements of life.
In the afternoon, women gathered in small groups to hear about the
history of fashion from across the world and try cultural dance steps.
In addition to learning how to put on a Kimono and admiring Afghani
dress, they were fascinated to learn sari tricks passed down through
generations.
Personal development trainer and life coach Azmina Jiwa brings magic
into the room with her inspirational address. Photo: Sadrudin Verjee
This year’s International Women’s Day event was the third consecutive
time that the Women’s Activities Portfolio of the Ismaili Council for
the United Kingdom marked the occasion in the UK. It was a fusion of
cultural exchange, academia and personal development.
While the Women’s Portfolio set the agenda, it was the participants —
who represented at least 10 countries between them — that gave the
event a truly pluralist flavour.
Women of diverse backgrounds exchange stories and ideas at the
International Women’s Day event held at the Ismaili Centre, London.
Photo: Sadrudin Verjee
Voices “There is a need for continuity after International Women’s
Day. It is a reminder that women are also important. We need to realise
we have a long way to go and stay strong. I really enjoyed the personal
development exercise, you forget you have achieved so much, it reminds
you and makes you realise you are capable of doing more.”
— Rahila Muhibi, 24, from Afghanistan
“I
enjoyed the sari workshop. I had always admired the femininity and
elegance of saris, as well as the embroidery and different colours. But
had always wondered how they stay in place. I am very interested in
Ismaili history and I love the artistic work around the Ismaili Centre.
The day was very inspirational and encouraging and I found the Ismaili
ladies very well-spoken and educated, I was very impressed. I had never
celebrated International Women’s Day before but definitely will now.”
— Shahnaz Attia, 36, from Egypt
“I led the
Salsa dance class. The group was so happy and enthusiastic, it was so
much fun. Dancing is my passion, it was born within me. I work in
marketing but also do Meringue, Cha Cha Cha and Mambo.”
— Monica Riano from Columbia
“The insights
[that] Kathryn Spellman Poots had were fascinating. It was really
interesting to hear her stories and anecdotes. It was also good to
realise that achievements you may think are small — like passing an exam
or getting a job — are actually big things. I didn’t even know
International Women’s Day existed and it’s really good that we are
celebrating it.”
— Nahema Rajabali and Aiysha Kanji, both 19 and from London
الإثنين سبتمبر 11, 2023 8:10 am من طرف الاسماعيلي اليامي
