Pakistani Odyssey: Re-envisioning Cultural Formation at the Intersection of Tradition and Modernity.
On Novermber 12, at 5 P.M., Pakistani feminist Haneen Azhar will speak and share her unique perspective on women’s issues, which originates from her studying in the United States and her activism at home. With her time split between two countries, she has been able to develop her personal stories as she broadens her worldview and ponders on solutions to challenges she and others face.
Confident that cultural norms can evolve or be broken, Azhar advocates for gender equality in Pakistan. Her journey to becoming an activist for women's rights starts with her early involvement in the Model UN at the young age of 11. From then, she has followed her aspirations to travel and bring awareness to what equality is and what that means for women of Pakistan. By challenging cultural norms in her own country, she strives to push the boundaries that limit women and introduce to them the concept of prioritizing ambitions and independence.
With her background, rich with culture and progress, Azhar is able to connect to women with numerous backgrounds. With her knowledge, she breaks down the mechanisms behind the systematic oppression of women and provides insight to solutions that may break the current patriarchal trends.
UOP’s Powell Scholars Program focuses on the cultural enrichment aspect in education. With an emphasis on impacting the community, whether it be on a local or global scale, the program aims to provide students with opportunities to broaden their world view and challenge their current mindset.
Lorenzo Spaccarelli, History Major, ‘24 is ASUOP’s Senator-at-Large, and is organizing the event. He states that “The goal is to promote more dialogue and discussions around the ideas of DEI and cultural diversity, as well as to shed light on international feminist struggles and the differences between US culture and Pakistani culture, especially around gender.”
A Powell scholar himself, Spaccarelli has had an incredible experience planning the event with other scholars in collaboration with Dinelle Davis, Powell Scholars Program Coordinator, and Professor Jeffrey Hole, program Director. He adds that “While organizing an event of this magnitude takes time and commitment, it has been a phenomenal experience because of the wonderful people I get to work with.”
Spaccarelli and his team look forward to seeing this event “come to fruition” as they have dedicated both time and energy to planning and executing. He hopes that through this event, the university community will be able to consider new ideas and questions that have not been pondered upon before. Join the Powell Scholars Program on November 12, at 5 P.M as they host Pakistani feminist Haneen Azhar for a speech followed by a student led Q & A.
