AMWEC International Women’s Day
By Aisha Bajwa
International Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world to bring women together on a united platform with the goal of empowering them for the betterment of their communities. It is the day that highlights women's achievements holistically irrespective of race, religion, or ethnicity. Women from different backgrounds come together on a united platform to support and recognize their accomplishments.
On Friday March 8th, AMWEC (American Muslim &Multifaith Women Empowerment Council) hosted an event in Irvine, California to celebrate the International Women’s Day along with AMWEC’s ten-year anniversary. Over 150 women came to celebrate and empower each other, making the event a huge success. They shared their accomplishments and challenges and how they negotiated through their personal hurdles of life. It was very encouraging to see many young women from the local community turn out in support of the event.
AMWEC initially started when Muslim women saw that their voices were under-represented and they needed a platform. It evolved from Muslim Women Council to Multifaith Women Council where women from all religions were welcome to participate and join the efforts of empowering women and bringing peace and unity in our societies. AMWEC’s efforts brought many leaders in the community and inspired more women to engage in the civic duty. It is our responsibility that we set the platform for us and for our next generations.
The International Women’s Day was hosted under the very capable leadership of MsAnila Ali, President AMWEC and AMWEC’s board members. Ms Aisha Bajwa, AMWEC Secretary and Executive Board member, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Speakers were carefully selected from diverse socioeconomic, religious and professional backgrounds. Ms Anastasia Selberis, AMWEC’s past Intern, talked about her experience with AMWEC and how it elevated her career and helped her achieve her goals. She is a great example of empowerment. She graduated from the University of Berkeley in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and is now a Vice President at California Southern University at the Institute for Interfaith Study and Respect.
DrSaadia Khan, who is a board-certified general surgeon at Hoag Breast Care Center, talked about her life and how by having a role model in her life shaped her current career. Role models and mentors keep you aligned with your goals and dreams. Ms Alexa Stone, who is an award-winning costume designer for film, television, dance, and theater, spoke about her challenges of motherhood and how she handled her personal and work life. Ms Nisi Jacobs is the founder and CEO of WoMenFor All which describes itself as welcome to all genders, ethnicities and races into our united front. Ms Leila Bidad is a conflict-resolution expert, who devotes her time to train future leaders on Alternative Dispute Resolution topics at the Olive Tree Initiative of UC Irvine.
AMWEC’s continuous dedication and unwavering belief in bringing communities together for the greater good has facilitated a true organic breakthrough platform for interfaith dialogue. We see many women from different religious groups and socio-economic background wanting to join and collaborate in search of practical and feasible solutions aimed at bringing harmony and peace to their communities. Through AMWEC’s continuous efforts of awareness and empowerment we can see many seedlings of hope and change take root. A key indicator of this is the number of women participating and achieving success in our political framework.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
