Leading the Charge for Gender Equality: A Journey Through the 16 Days of Activism

My name is Samea Mahboob – Final year social work student and president of social justice society / broadcaster at Radio Sangam and member of the BASW England West Yorkshire Branch. 

As the President of the Social Justice Society, I had the distinct privilege of spearheading the 16 Days of Activism campaign aimed at ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality. This experience was not just a professional responsibility but also a personal commitment to creating a more inclusive and just society. The collaboration across various sectors and communities showed the true power of collective action in fighting for social change.

A Unified Front for Gender Equality

From the very beginning, it was clear that the success of this initiative relied on building a strong, diverse coalition of supporters. This vision took shape through a partnership with key university leaders, including the Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor. Their support provided not only institutional backing but also the credibility needed to engage a wide audience. The Senior Leadership EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) team played a vital role in ensuring that our campaign addressed the intersectionality of gender issues, while also highlighting the importance of an inclusive and diverse environment for all.

Collaboration with Students and Societies

One of the most powerful aspects of this campaign was the involvement of students from a variety of disciplines and student societies. These students brought energy, passion, and fresh perspectives to the table, ensuring that our message resonated across the entire campus. Different student unions worked together to organize workshops, panel discussions, and awareness campaigns, each tailored to address specific aspects of gender equality and raise awareness of the root causes of gender-based violence.

Celebrity Support: Tasif Khan and Ikram Butt

To amplify the reach and impact of our campaign, we partnered with two international celebrities: Tasif Khan and Ikram Butt. Both individuals have been long-standing advocates for gender equality and have used their platforms to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote social justice. Their involvement brought significant attention to the cause, drawing media coverage from local outlets and engaging a broader audience beyond the university community. Their personal stories and commitment to social change inspired countless individuals to take action in their own lives.

Engaging the Community and Stakeholders

This campaign wasn’t limited to the confines of the university. We knew that real, lasting change could only happen if we worked alongside the broader community. The support of Pakistani media outlets helped extend our message to diverse communities, while local authorities, police, and community leaders worked with us to foster meaningful dialogue around safety and empowerment. Our collaboration with over 100 volunteers proved crucial in spreading awareness and organizing events throughout the campaign.

Having stakeholders such as Members of Parliament (MPs) and local authorities engaged in the cause lent significant political and legislative weight to the campaign. Their involvement provided an opportunity for meaningful conversations around policy changes and legislative actions to prevent gender-based violence.

Achieving More Together

By the end of the 16 Days of Activism, it became clear that this campaign was more than just a series of events – it was a catalyst for change. The conversations sparked, the partnerships formed, and the awareness raised have laid a foundation for continued efforts toward gender equality.

This journey has reinforced my belief that social justice is not a solitary endeavor. It requires collaboration, passion, and a willingness to learn from one another. As we move forward, we must continue to build on these partnerships, ensuring that the fight for gender equality is sustained and that no one is left behind in the pursuit of justice.

Together, we made a difference. Together, we will continue to make a difference.