Program Poster designed by Mariam Zohra D.
‘Surrey weekends have become colorful these days. Variety of cultural programs presented by South Asian artists is one of the reasons. One such program I recently attended was, ‘Women Who named the Unnamed’ the like of which I can hardly remember ever seeing. The program, every aspect of it, exuded creativity and devotion. Truly inspiring. Presented by Surrey Muse Arts Society with some other South Asian organizations, the program celebrated women heroes from Pakistan and Canada. Poets, authors, social and political activists, scholars, theater artists… made the list. The program was presented on the Center Stage Surrey. And the five young women who presented it with their unique graceful artistry seemed to say the unsaid about the women heroes. Kudos to them five sui generis.
‘Each Pakistani woman was introduced highlighting how she challenged the very ethos of Pakistani culture, how she dared question the patriarcho-religious entrenchment that wants to keep women subservient. Salute to their initiatives, courage, dedication and championship. Local women heroes were also lauded for their bold initiatives and pioneer work to empower women in our androcentric milieu.
‘We need more programs like Women Who named the Unnamed. They inspire, especially our youth, to follow and excel their heroes. Our big thanks to Fauzia Rafique and other organizers whose vision and hard work culminated in such a wonderful program.’
From Ajmer Rode’s Facebook post published October 8, 2019.
Ajmer Rode is an author, poet and playwright based in Vancouver who has played an important role in the development of literature and art in BC’s Punjabi communities. Visit his Facebook page:
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Women Who Named the Unnamed is a project of
Surrey muse Arts Society (SMAS)
We gratefully acknowledge
that we are on the unceded Coast Salish territories of
the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen,
Qayqayt, Tsawwassen, Musqueam,
Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.
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Women Who Named the Unnamed 