Across the globe, many women and girls still face discrimination on the basis of sex and gender. Gender inequality still underpins many problems which disproportionately affect women and girls such as domestic violence, lower pay, lack of access to education, lower pay, lack of access to education, and adequate healthcare. However, there are always some women who stand as the beacon of light when it comes to helping other women rise above challenges that have remained prevalent too long in our society. That’s why this Women’s Day we want to put the spotlight on one such woman who inspires with her work time and time again. As someone who has always been an advocate for women’s empowerment, ace TV journalist Sidra Iqbal puts her best foot forward when it comes to all women’s issues, especially in Pakistan. Iqbal is known for being one of the leading faces when it comes to being the voice for females in the country, reaching great heights herself, and speaking at several events where discussions about women are at the forefront. Whether that means supporting women’s sports, education, speaking out against discrimination, financial independence, or ambitions, Iqbal surely does it all!
Despite progress in recent years, women still face discrimination in sports where their efforts are not seen as equivalent to men’s. Visibility, respect, and pay gap are still problems for women’s football. That’s why Sidra Iqbal has spoken for women’s sports with so much zeal. A few months ago she attended the Women’s Cup 2021 in Karachi to show her support for all females who want to pursue their passion for sports. “Support and encourage girls to play. Like everything else, let our sports fields be an equal opportunity ground for men and women. Break the stereotype and support girl athletes,” stated Iqbal.
Sidra Iqbal has also spoken out against gender-based violence which is a problem still prevalent in the world today. Earlier, she joined a powerful conversation led by the US Embassy, Islamabad on gender-based violence and discussed the importance of the 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which included a Live Q&A in the Twitterverse. Iqbal was amongst an esteemed list of women who spoke on taking action against violence women face, particularly in Pakistan.
Recently the ace journalist also hosted a FrieslandCampina Engro conference titled ‘Rural Women Rising’. The conference was held in Islamabad earlier this month to highlight the progress of rural women reclaiming financial independence, by becoming enterprising ‘Agreprineurs’. The theme fitting the title was ‘breaking barriers and empowering women through the dairy value chain’. The conversations were inspirational on many levels as women are often underpaid or underrepresented in rural areas. Sidra herself shared inspiring snippets on her Instagram feed earlier commending the women for their efforts in championing their own financial destiny.
Last weekend Sidra Iqbal joined another powerful discussion with the hashtagged titles, #YesICan and #ISpendMyOwn. The talks revolve around the financial literacy and independence of women across Pakistan today. “Every woman should have the autonomy to spend and invest her money how she sees fit,” stated Iqbal while giving an insightful speech on women’s financial independence and literacy. Other notable speakers attended the event as well including the Head of Mission at British Deputy High Commission Karachi.
Sidra Iqbal is the woman who stands up for other women and inspires us all while doing it. These are just a handful of ways she has put her voice forward for the gender and we just can’t wait to see what the powerhouse does next!
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