 Print
The BCMA Women's Council presented Leadership Forum on International Women's Day
3-25-2014
The Board of Women's Council celebrated a Leadership Forum on International Women's Day March 8. This day was dedicated for Women to celebrate their natural, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political achievements with a focus towards self-respect, appreciation and love.
Following the October 2013 election of the new Board of Women's Affairs focused on a vision to highlight social issues involving Women and Youth to inspire and empower themselves through appreciation and self-confidence. The inner strength of Women as a Mother, Daughter, Wife, and Sister contribute towards nurturing the families and sharing the socio-economic burden. Muslim Women in BCMA have made a remarkable difference in many social areas for almost a decade and continue to make a difference Alhumdolillah!
The Leadership Forum was well attended by the Council Directors, and the general community. Our guest speakers included:
· Hon. Stephanie Cadieux, Ministry for Children and Family Development
· Hon. Hedy Fry, MP
· Jane Shin, MLA
· Simmie Smith, RCMP for Diversity
· Naseema Nastosh, Executive Director, Anti-Bullying
· Shobna Daniel, Asst/ Director of Provincial Office for Domestic Violence
Premier Christy Clark acknowledged the Muslim Women of BCMA for delivering an outstanding service to the community at large.
The morning started with registration, light breakfast and meet and greet. Sr. Tahzi Ali (Women’s Affairs Secretary) facilitated the morning session as emcee. The program commenced with a Quran recitation and translation followed by Sr. Farida Bano Ali, Chair for the Board of Women's Council. Sr. Farida welcomed everyone to the second Annual Women's Forum. She gave a brief history of women’s involvement in BCMA for over 25 years. BCMA Women run events and activities of the Branches, Chapters and Working Committees. There are approximately 70 Board Directors and close to over 400 members of the organization.
The afternoon panel discussion was moderated by Sr. Fathima Nazeer Ali, Social Services Director for Women’s Affairs. The panelists were Sr. Sana Siddiqui, Burnaby Youth Director, Farida Bano Ali, Women’s Affairs Chairperson, Hazra Ismail, Burnaby Branch Chairperson and Aiyyaz RN. Each panelist gave an insight on how they can contribute and inspire and empower others through their experience.
The Youth Workshop was coordinated by Sr. Sana Siddiqui and Sr. Rozmeen Khan, Youth Director for Women's Affairs. The workshop, attended by about 60 Youths, consisted of shared discussion on issues youth face in Western society at school or work. Youth leaders talked through solutions on dealing with difficulties and building self-confidence. A very interactive discussion and reminders were portrayed on posters.
A delicious lunch was served and coordinated by Sr. Mary Asin and Sr. Sadrul Buksh.
The event was concluded with an inspirational quote card given to each sister who attended and gifts for the guest speakers and volunteers. The vote of thanks was given by Sr. Nur, Treasurer for Women's Affairs.
Great feedback was received from the attendees! If you would like to be informed about future events hosted by BCMA Women’s please email your contact information to bcmawomens@hotmail.com.
Footnotes:
|