LAHORE: US Consul General in Lahore, Kristin Hawkins, said women’s empowerment has been at the heart of their efforts at the consulate, and women’s participation is encouraged through exchange programs, educational scholarships and internship programs.
Speaking to APP on the occasion of Women’s History Month here on Thursday, she said the US mission shares the belief that gender equality is essential for economic growth and development, democracy and political stability in all societies.
About Women’s History Month, Kristin Hawkins said the month of March, in addition to being International Women’s Day on March 8, was observed across the United States and other countries to celebrate the strengths, resilience and achievements of women in all industries, from business to to academia. , sports and more.
When asked, she said that her efforts to empower women are not limited to Women’s History Month as women-focused initiatives span the entire calendar, adding that it is not only about celebrating women but also about making them independent, vocal, self-reliant and the leader.
Passionate about women’s empowerment and cultural preservation in Punjab, the charismatic Kristin Hawkins said, “Over the past 20 years, the US Mission in Pakistan has funded 35 cultural preservation projects through AFCP worth $8.4 million,” adding that the cost is approximately one million dollars, 20 of these projects are in Punjab and many young women have joined these projects to revive and restore the past multitude of architectural marvels side by side with their male counterparts.
She said that the US-funded internship program in conservation techniques for local youth to acquire trade skills has provided an opportunity for girls in Lahore Fort and Wazir Khan Mosque, adding that the program is meant to make the youth more resourceful.
“Fulbright Scholarship, International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), Student Exchange Programs and Multiple High School Scholarships are various opportunities offered to young girls to make their mark,” said the diplomat.
Meena Arham, a conservationist and team leader in the Wazir Khan Mosque restoration project, told APP that she has been part of the Agha Khan Cultural Services in Pakistan (AKCSP) in Pakistan since 2014, adding that she feels empowered to work on the restoration. century old architectural heritage like the Wazir Khan Mosque.
Zeina Naseer, a conservationist at AKCSP, is leading the conservation and restoration of the 1,600-foot-long historic picture wall and Sheesh Mahal at Lahore Fort. She is proud that their work will be a beacon for generations to come, and the US-funded internship program will herald a bright future for young professionals.
In her message to Pakistani girls and women in connection with Women’s History Month, Consul General Hawkins said, “keep it up. You can achieve great things whether you want to be a professor, doctor, engineer, lawyer, politician or entrepreneur. Try to connect with others in your community and set high goals in life. I am very confident that girls and women in Pakistan can achieve anything they set their minds to.
