Dr. Farhat Asif is the esteemed Founder Director of the Centre for Women, Peace and Leadership at the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, located in Islamabad, Pakistan. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Dr. Asif has distinguished herself in the realms of academia, media, and business. She is a renowned publisher, having overseen The Diplomatic Insight, a prominent foreign policy magazine, for 15 years. Her academic prowess is highlighted by her PhD in Public Diplomacy from Quaid-I-Azam University, with a thesis focused on “Pakistan’s Membership of Shanghai Cooperation
Organization: Opportunities and Scope of Public Diplomacy.” In addition to her academic and research endeavors, Dr. Asif is a dynamic entrepreneur and Chairperson of the Diplomatic Insight Group of Companies. This group includes Diplomatic Insight Publishers Pvt Ltd, which not only publishes The Diplomatic Insight magazine and the Journal of Peace and Diplomacy but also provides consultancy for Kindle Book Self-Publishing on Amazon. Furthermore, she is the founder and partner director of Nirvana Merchants Pvt Ltd, a company engaged in trade and exports to the Central Asian Republics, with recent expansions including a manufacturing unit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Dr. Asif’s contributions to peace and diplomacy have been internationally recognized. She was honored with the N-Peace Award by UNDP Asia Pacific, the Government of Canada, and Inclusive Security in Washington DC for her “Campaign for Action” in 2017, which forged unique linkages between gender, diplomacy, and peace. Additionally, her efforts in public diplomacy within the SCO region earned her the Public Diplomat Award from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Uzbekistan. A trailblazer in women’s leadership on a global scale, Dr. Asif initiated the Global Women Insight platform to highlight women leaders’ worldwide, featuring discussions with influential figures like Ambassador Swanee Hunt and Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee. You can see that here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwmXSqDniuDUFdyPIpPB4eqNdPS-C1EkP.
Her recent accolade includes a prestigious Leadership Fellowship from the International Women’s Forum in Washington DC, making her the first Pakistani to participate in the program’s 30-year history. Dr. Asif is currently dedicated to revitalizing the Centre for Women’s Peace and Leadership at IPDS as part of her legacy project, aiming to enhance the role of women in peace and leadership both locally and globally. Her comprehensive profiles and further details about her initiatives are available on her LinkedIn and Facebook pages. You can look at them at https://www.linkedin.com/in/farhatasif/ and https://web.facebook.com/conversationswithfarhatasif.
Dr. Rubina Feroze Bhatti, an accomplished academically-informed practitioner, possesses over two decades of experience driving education, human rights, nonprofit, and public policy reform initiatives in diverse settings. With a profound commitment to increasing representation and support for marginalized communities, Dr. Bhatti has emerged as a skilled and seasoned leader dedicated to fostering inclusive, diverse, and socially-just practices. Hailing from Pakistan and currently residing in California, Dr. Bhatti’s academic journey spans continents, culminating in a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego, complemented by an M.A. in Development Studies from the Kimmage Development Studies Centre in Dublin, Ireland. Her earlier degrees in Chemistry from Baha-ud-Din Zakriya University Pakistan reflect her diverse intellectual pursuits and commitment to interdisciplinary approaches.
At Stanford University, Dr. Bhatti serves as a Visiting Scholar, contributing significantly to scholarly discourse with authored articles and reports focusing on leadership, interfaith harmony, and human rights, with a keen emphasis on diversity, equality, and inclusion. She has also played a pivotal role in establishing multi-sectoral collaborations to investigate bonded labor abuse in Pakistan, advocating for impactful interventions. In her capacity as the General Secretary of the Pakistan Partnership Initiative, Dr. Bhatti has exhibited exemplary leadership, fostering collaboration and promoting diversity and inclusivity within the organization. Her initiatives include crafting a Charter of Demands to influence government officials in defense of minority children’s rights and organizing the first-ever Christian Women Leadership Conference, empowering women from minority communities.
During her tenure as Assistant Professor at Pakistan Global Institute, Dr. Bhatti led strategic initiatives in student recruitment, scholarships, public relations, and international partnerships, prioritizing equity and inclusion. She secured grants for undergraduate scholarships, aiding financially disadvantaged students. As a Visiting Scholar at Eastern Mennonite University in the USA, she represented the institution at academic forums, focusing on human rights, particularly women’s and minority rights. Dr. Bhatti also delivered lectures to promote gender equality, co-developed the Women’s Peace Leadership Academic Cohort Program, and co-authored a publication on women’s rights.
Dr. Bhatti’s impact extends beyond academia into the realm of grassroots activism and policy reform. During her tenure as Commissioner at the National Commission on Rights of Child, Dr. Bhatti oversaw the monitoring of child rights in Punjab, addressing numerous complaints of violations. Offering crucial technical advice, she guided governments on child rights legislation and represented the organization to foreign delegates and media. Prior to this role, as Executive Director of Taangh Wasaib Organization, Dr. Bhatti spearheaded strategic planning efforts and secured grants to provide disaster relief to numerous families. Additionally, she initiated human rights education in numerous schools, provided support to numerous women, and led extensive campaigns and documentaries opposing violence, leaving a significant impact on communities. Dr. Bhatti contributed to the initiatives to establish a minority rights commission, implement scholarship programs, and ensure job quotas for minorities. Additionally, as a member of various committees, she conducted gender trainings, introduced community policing concepts, and launched campaigns for traffic laws and road safety. Actively engaging with church leadership and officials, Dr. Bhatti advocated for minority rights, particularly for women, and initiated impactful projects like the “Minority Leadership Development School” and “Church Volunteers Sargodha.” Her efforts have been vital in combating discrimination and promoting equal opportunities, notably through campaigns against religious identity columns and restoration of joint electorates.
Dr. Bhatti has been recognized with 29 international and national awards, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2005 and being featured twice in News International’s 100 Most Influential Women in Pakistan. Her profile has been highlighted by prestigious organizations such as the United Nations Development Program, International Visitors Leadership Program (USA), and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (US Department of State). Additionally, she has been recognized by the Nobel Women’s Initiative (Canada), Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice (University of San Diego), and the US Consulate General (Pakistan). Dr. Bhatti’s global reach extends to over 30 countries, where she has engaged with UN agencies, governmental bodies, and non-governmental organizations, leaving a significant impact on international peace and development efforts.
The Centre organized the Congress for Inclusive and Gender Sensitive Leadership in Pakistan to inspire and facilitate an advanced exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experience of leadership building and networking.
The Congress focused on shaping the future of young women leaders, preparing them with necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers in various fields such as government, diplomatic missions, bureaucracy, media, health, human rights, law, and international organizations.
The Congress provided an opportunity for young women professionals to learn from different ideas, experiences, research, policy briefs, and position papers, thus encouraging knowledge advancement and expertise.
It also aimed to showcase the potential of young women as future leaders of Pakistan and draw the attention of the state, government, and other segments of society. Leading women leaders from different segments of society attended the Congress, including Nobel Peace Laureate Mrs. Tawakkol Karman, who shared her visionary approach with the young girls and inspired them. Participants formed close bonds of friendship and togetherness, and EYWLC Fellows networked and worked in close collaboration with women mentors and leaders in their fields.
The services provided at the Congress included grooming and discovering future leaders, developing assets of change programs, networking opportunities for future women leaders, partnership opportunities with senior mentors in leadership positions, and fellowship placements at development organizations based in Pakistan.
Global Women Insight is a digital talk show that shines a spotlight on the stories of women who have contributed to the development of the world. The show aims to host inspiring women leaders from across the globe to spread awareness about their lives, professional achievements, challenges, and leadership stories. The show aims to engage with women leaders in stimulating discussions to inspire actions and to help young women learn from their experiences. These conversations also aim to find solutions to the pressing challenges that women are facing today.
The Diplomatic Insight, a renowned publication dedicated to fostering global peace and dialogue through informed journalism, is excited to announce the launch of a new dedicated section, Women Insight Daily. This initiative is designed to create a dynamic platform that amplifies the voices of women, sharing their diverse perspectives, experiences, and insights across a broad spectrum of topics. By focusing on the stories of women, Women Insight Daily seeks to empower and inspire women globally, promoting an inclusive dialogue that highlights women’s unique contributions to society. Content and Themes
Women Insight Daily will feature daily articles, editorials, interviews, and success stories that cover a range of themes including but not limited to:
– Profiles of women leaders in various fields, discussions on leadership styles, and strategies for empowerment.
– Personal stories of overcoming obstacles, achieving milestones, and making significant impacts in their communities or fields.
– Insights into the journeys of women entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers who are transforming industries.
Exploration of cultural narratives, social issues, and the roles women play in shaping societal norms and values.
– Articles that bring attention to international women’s issues, global policies affecting women, and cross-cultural insights.
Call for Contributions
Women Insight Daily invites women from all walks of life to contribute their stories, opinions, and research. Whether you are a seasoned writer, a professional in your field, or someone with a compelling story to tell, we encourage you to share your insights. Contributions can range from personal narratives to scholarly articles, provided they align with the spirit of empowering and inspiring women globally. You can send your insights at info@thediplomaticinsight.com
Leadership Insight is an innovative digital initiative designed to empower young women by providing them with access to high-quality leadership training through online live sessions. This platform aims to cultivate essential leadership skills that are critical for personal and professional development in today’s rapidly changing world. By connecting young women with established leaders and experts in various fields, Leadership Insight seeks to inspire and prepare the next generation of female leaders. By inviting experts leaders from across the world, the hosts of the program are the Directors of the Center for Women Peace and Leadership who stimulate dialogue and help share the latest updated knowledge on leadership skills to handle work life challenges.
Weave for Peace is an innovative initiative designed to empower women by equipping them with essential economic and digital business skills. This program aims to intertwine the threads of peacebuilding with economic empowerment, acknowledging that sustainable peace is often linked with economic stability and opportunity. By focusing on skill development in digital commerce and entrepreneurship, Weave for Peace seeks to provide women with the tools they need to build successful businesses and, in turn, foster peaceful communities.
Objective
The primary objective of Weave for Peace is to empower women through targeted training in economic and digital business skills, thereby enabling them to contribute to their households and communities economically. Specific goals include:
– Provide women with the skills necessary to participate in and benefit from the growing digital economy.
– Encourage and support women in starting their own businesses, focusing on sustainable practices and local development.
– Link economic empowerment with peacebuilding efforts to demonstrate how financial independence can lead to more stable and peaceful communities.
– Equip women with digital skills that are essential for modern business practices, helping to close the gender gap in technology.
Activities and Programs
Weave for Peace will implement several key activities:
– Conduct workshops on digital literacy, e-commerce, online marketing, and financial management. These workshops will be tailored to meet the needs of women who are new to the digital economy.
– Create a mentorship program pairing aspiring women entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders. This program will also facilitate networking events to connect participants with potential investors, partners, and peers.
– Provide access to microfinance opportunities and small business grants to help women start and scale their businesses.
– Run campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of women’s economic empowerment and its role in promoting peace and stability.
The implementation of Weave for Peace will involve collaboration with local NGOs, governmental agencies, and international organizations focused on women’s empowerment, economic development, and peacebuilding. A phased approach is used to roll out the program, starting with pilot projects in select communities to refine the training modules and expand based on success and feedback.
Samanbal, which translates to “collective strength” in Kashmiri, is an initiative dedicated to empowering women in the region of Kashmir through active peacebuilding and advocacy. This network brings together Kashmiri women from diverse backgrounds to foster dialogue, promote reconciliation, and advocate for women’s rights in a region marked by prolonged conflict. By leveraging the unique perspectives and resilience of women, Samanbal aims to be a pivotal force in the peace process, advocating for not only gender-specific issues but also broader community healing and integration. Activities and Programs
Samanbal will engage in a variety of activities designed to empower women and promote peace, including:
Conduct workshops on conflict resolution, negotiation skills, and leadership for women, empowering them to take active roles in peace processes.
Host community forums that bring together women across societal and political divides to discuss common challenges and forge pathways to reconciliation.
Launch campaigns to raise awareness about women’s rights issues in Kashmir and influence policy changes at both local and national levels.
Undertake research projects to document the impact of conflict on women and publish reports that advocate for their needs in peace negotiations.
Samanbal has been developed to by robust communication strategy to engage the community, disseminate success stories, and mobilize support.
Pakistan Centre for Women, Peace and Leadership was founded with the objective of advancing the role of women in Pakistan’s security, political, and socio-economic paradigm. The center was established on December 1, 2015, with the laying of the foundation stone by Mrs. Tawakkol Karman, Nobel Peace Laureate (2011) during her historic visit to Pakistan.
This Academic, Research and Training Centre serves as a neutral space for academicians, scholars, practitioners, activists, policymakers, and shapers to come together and develop impact-oriented strategies to enhance women’s participation in various fields.
The center focuses on two major objectives: academic research and training and developing a multi-sectoral approach to further the aims of Women, Peace, and Security concepts as recognized by UN 1325 and other international conventions. The center aims to gather the experiences of civil society working on the subject of gender and peace and share them with the new generation. Additionally, the center aims to provide quality support to the existing several structures related to women and peace in Pakistan in terms of manpower, research, and academics.
The services provided by the center include advocacy, academic research, and training, including the Emerging Young Women Leaders Congress and Global Women Insight. The center is dedicated to empowering women in all aspects of life, and its efforts are aimed at creating a more peaceful and equitable society in Pakistan.
The Centre organized the Congress for Inclusive and Gender Sensitive Leadership in Pakistan to inspire and facilitate an advanced exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experience of leadership building and networking.
The Congress focused on shaping the future of young women leaders, preparing them with necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers in various fields such as government, diplomatic missions, bureaucracy, media, health, human rights, law, and international organizations.
The Congress provided an opportunity for young women professionals to learn from different ideas, experiences, research, policy briefs, and position papers, thus encouraging knowledge advancement and expertise.
It also aimed to showcase the potential of young women as future leaders of Pakistan and draw the attention of the state, government, and other segments of society. Leading women leaders from different segments of society attended the Congress, including Nobel Peace Laureate Mrs. Tawakkol Karman, who shared her visionary approach with the young girls and inspired them. Participants formed close bonds of friendship and togetherness, and EYWLC Fellows networked and worked in close collaboration with women mentors and leaders in their fields.
The services provided at the Congress included grooming and discovering future leaders, developing assets of change programs, networking opportunities for future women leaders, partnership opportunities with senior mentors in leadership positions, and fellowship placements at development organizations based in Pakistan.
Global Women Insight is a digital talk show that shines a spotlight on the stories of women who have contributed to the development of the world.
The show aims to host inspiring women leaders from across the globe to spread awareness about their lives, professional achievements, challenges, and leadership stories.
The show aims to engage with women leaders in stimulating discussions to inspire actions and to help young women learn from their experiences. These conversations also aim to find solutions to the pressing challenges that women are facing today.
The show is broadcasted live on official Facebook pages for national, regional, and international audiences and can be watched on the following links: https://web.facebook.com/conversationswithfarhatasif https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRN6KNyDfHfiNYj3xjR1o7A
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