All articles filed in W2W Events Blog

 UN Women Pakistan in collaboration with Sheworks hosted “Rozana” Fashion ShowRozana held on 12^th of March at the UN Women Country Office in Islamabad

In line with International Woman’s day celebrations the United Nations Women office in Islamabad hosted the “Rozana” Fashion show showcasing the finest hand embroidered collection for ladies from Sheworks & Sabah Pakistan; along with an exquisite collection for men by Mohataram.

This fashion show broke away from tradition, by curating designs made by artisans from rural communities of Pakistan and offering a prestigious line up of models, who represented the crème de la crème of the diplomatic community.

Rozana Fashion show models included the EU Ambassador – H.E. Androulla Kaminara; the Canadian Ambassador – Ms. Wendy Gilmore; the Maldivian Ambassador –Farzana Zahir- Ms. Lina Mousa; Rebekah Bell – FAO (Food & Agriculture Organization) Representative from Australia to Pakistan , the Deputy County representative – Ms. Jacqui Ketunuti and the Head of development at High Commission of Canada- Mr. Chris Khug to name a few.

“We were extremely elated to be invited by UN women to participate in Rozana Fashion show; it gave us an opportunity to exhibit our work and also share our brands story, for us this is a labor of love, focusing on functional design whilst highlighting traditional techniques of hand embroidery and aesthetic appeal in our work. We look forward to many more opportunities and collaborations.” says Samina Mahmud, Founder of SheWorks

UN women gave a voice and platform to the artisans who have created the intricate designs, artisans present at the show from Bhawalpur were Zareena Bibi from Wazir Wali, Tasleem Bibi & Rubeena Bibi from Jan Muhammad; and Faiza Bibi

Nosheen Bibi & Rubina Bibi came from Haripur district KPK, Faiz Buttry Village. They were invited to share their inspiring personal journey as artisans with the audience.

The Rozana Fashion show was instrumental in supporting and highlighting homegrown fashion brands, Sheworks which is a Social enterprise for change based out of Islamabad and works with artisans from South of Punjab; Sabah Pakistan a non profit organization based in Haripur district – KPK and Mohtaram the men’s brand of fashion.

About SheWorks:

A platform connecting business to textile artisanal communities

Artisanal activities generate income, create jobs, foster economic communities, sustain ancient techniques, and preserve culture and meaning that is an essential component of healthy and sustainable development.
SheWorks strives to launch a campaign and a set of related activities to build awareness and broaden support of the artisan sector (assess need, audience, potential partners, conduct research to make economic case, develop communication messages)

We work with business, supporting product development and design, implementing the production through the artisans collaborating with SheWorks

Web: www.sheworkspvt.com

Facebook: SheWorks

Instagram: sheworks.official

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr –  zareen@w2wevents.com /  +923125659527

Two mountaineers gear up to conquer the un-summited Zoui Sar located on the Malangudi glacier, Pakistan

There are many unclimbed peaks in Pakistan and as Pakistan opens up itself to travelers, the unexplored mountains become an opportunity for climbers to discover new heights. This march, the team involved is passionate and has the skills and expertise to climb; with unique backgrounds, they represent diversity, inclusivity and love for climbing. Attempting this summit are Qudrat Ali (Climb Leader) and Namal Siddiqui (Expedition Member).

The lead climber on this expédition is the celebrated mountaineer Qudrat Ali, hailing from Shimshal Valley in Pakistan. Among the many mountains he has summited there are 4×8000m summits: (Broad Peak, G1, G2, Nanga Parbat) and 2 winters ascents of 6000m while also attempting a winter ascent of Broad Peak but had to abandon the climb 200m before the summit. Qudrat has walked barefoot from Gilgit to Shimshal to honor his ancestors who roamed the land barefoot, spending 14 hours outside in -25C using a sleeping bag only and sleeping in a crevasse. He also holds the world record of traversing three mountain ranges. He has been actively encouraging female climbers to participate in all his expeditions since 2007, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone who is passionate about mountaineering.

“One of the reasons of attempting this climb is to create a positive and inviting image of Pakistan to the world. I have co founded the Shimshal Mountaineering School, so that we can train and groom mountaineers, there are many times I sponsor students because I believe that no one should miss out on their dreams because of financial constraints. We also want to provide equal opportunities for girls and boys both, and build their confidence in this as a vocation.” says, Qudrat Ali

Namal Siddiqui adds, “With great love and respect for the ones we have lost, we continue to keep their legacy alive. Losing Ali Sadpara this winter, has been a wake up call for mountaineers and the country. Ali Sadpara had a dream: to create opportunities for his people and to put Pakistan on the map. This dream is not a one man’s job, it requires faith and support from our country and from people who have a voice – ‘collectively’. I am excited to be part of this community while representing female climbers.”

Namal is a Pakistani, born and raised in the UAE. She recently gave up her corporate life of 14 years to exclusively pursue her love of mountaineering by moving her base to Islamabad, Pakistan. She has summited 2 of the 7 highest summits of the continents: Mount Elbrus and Mount Kilimanjaro along with Mount Toubkal, highest in North Africa. Besides this she has attempted Mount Kazbegi. She has been on a winter survival training camp, ice climbing and rock climbing training to fine-tune her technical skills.

Qudrat is an expert world record holder climber, Namal is experienced and learning the ropes. Their objective for this climb is to promote Pakistan and stand for inclusivity, Namal is aiming to represent and inspire more female mountaineers in the region. This 10-day expedition begins from 10^th till 20^th of March, a first time attempt to summit the magnificent Zoui Sar. If they are able to climb before 21st March, it will be a winter ascent and if weather conditions don’t allow them before, it will be the first ascent of Zoui Sar.

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – Email: zareen@w2wevents.com

 SheWorks and The Embassy of France join hands to acknowledge women artisans from South of Punjab

As part of this year’s international woman’s day celebrations, SheWorks and the Embassy of France join hands to pay a tribute to women artisans with “Women of Resilience”, an online campaign conceptualized to shed light on the artisans behind the art of embroidery. The campaign will begin from the 1^st of March until the 15^th of March on all SheWorks social media platforms, comprising of stories and visuals by the award winning photographer Mobeen Ansari.

The founder of SheWorks – Samina Mahmud, is the brainchild behind this campaign. Her organization, has been rooted, since long, in a mission to improve livelihood opportunities for skilled rural artisan communities, whilst creating high quality products for the luxury market.

“It was important for us to share the stories behind the textiles. These beautifully handmade crafts are products of skilled and hardworking artisans. There is immense economic potential in the creative manufacturing sector for skilled artisans and we aim to guide and to create opportunities for designer and artisan collaborations, offering sustainable income and financial independence to empower women in rural areas of Pakistan” explains Samina Mahmud, Founder of SheWorks

Mr. Marc Baréty, Ambassador of France to Pakistan adds, “Socio-Economic empowerment of women is at the core of France’s international strategy on gender equality. In Pakistan, rural women artisans are custodians of a rich and diverse cultural heritage, particularly in textile. By providing livelihoods to their communities and preserving this heritage, they are an essential driver for sustainable development.”

This campaign is supported by embassy of France and by creative professionals from across the globe with the common objective to highlight and acknowledge the stories of artisans from South of Punjab. The regions covered include the Cholistan desert and Jaan Muhammad, Dera Bakha and Wazir Wali villages.

“Women of resilience” will run from the 1^st until the 15^th of March 2021 on SheWorks.

About SheWorks:

A platform connecting business to textile artisanal communities

Artisanal activities generate income, create jobs, foster economic communities, sustain ancient techniques, and preserve culture and meaning that is an essential component of healthy and sustainable development.
SheWorks strives to launch a campaign and a set of related activities to build awareness and broaden support of the artisan sector (assess need, audience, potential partners, conduct research to make economic case, develop communication messages)

We work with business, supporting product development and design, implementing the production through the artisans collaborating with SheWorks

Web: www.sheworkspvt.com

Facebook: SheWorks

Instagram: sheworks.official

Official Photographer: Mobeen Ansari

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – zareen@w2wevents.com /  +923125659527

Starting February 2021, Mobeen Ansari’s award wining film “Hellhole” will be available to view on Alaska Airlines inflight entertainment; Hellhole is a short silent film based on the life of conservancy workers, better known as gutter cleaners as seen through the life and often forgotten humanity of one such worker.

This is an initiative by “Tasveer” South Asian Film Festival who have successfully curated a collection of some of the most thought-provoking South Asian short films for Alaska Airlines in-flight entertainment. The films will be shown from February 1st 2021

Follow Tasveer and support South Asian Film Makers & Storytellers:

FB – TasveerOrgUS

Insta – tasveerorg

To learn more about Mobeen’s work: http://www.mobeenansari.com

For media and press information: zareen@w2wevents.com

Kim Oberoi is an Indian born contemporary artist based in Dubai, her experiences have passionately led her as a painter with an extensive international portfolio of exhibits including, UAE, Germany & China.

Kim is largely a self-taught painter; her dedication to her craft has successfully seen her work represented globally. Her latest accomplishment includes her series on Botanical arts curated by Context Art Gallery, which is listed with “Artsy”, “Koonessofficial”, “_artsail_”, “artmajeur”, “wdwlls”; Kim’s work will be displayed in all the platforms.

“This series started in 2019 and is currently ongoing, I use watercolors, coffee and acrylics as my mediums for this set of works. This series draws inspiration from botanical art and is a result of meditative and energy-healing practices, which leads to a calmness that allows space for creativity to grow and brings about clarity in vision. It is nature that I connect with at this stage and the gratitude I have experienced towards the elements of the environment that gives this series it’s name “Meditation”says Kim Oberoi

Context Art Gallery is an international art gallery specialized in contemporary art. The gallery is dedicated to the promotion of established and contemporary artists, with a special focus on abstract, non-figurative art, photography and sculpture. In a time when fast communication and media have a direct impact upon our lives, the gallery concentrates on the online representation and art selling, as well as on pop-up exhibitions and the participation in selected European art fairs. We are collaborating with various art galleries, art institutions, interior designer and concept stores worldwide, aiming to create multiple opportunities for our artists and offer best art advisory services for our art collectors. ​

 To view Meditation: https://www.artsy.net/artist/kim-oberoi/works-for-sale

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – Email: zareen@w2wevents.com

Senior Chess players were honored by a visit and encouragement by Sheikh Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Mualla on Wednesday 20^th of January. The Sheikh himself, is extremely passionate about Chess and has organized many world class chess competitions in Sharjah.

Desirée Vlekken – founder of 4get-me-not says “We have been coming to play Chess every Tuesday since December and the lovely staff has always offered us a VIP welcome, but we were beyond touched by getting a surprise visit from Sheikh Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Mualla himself, he warmly mingled with the players and encouraged comradeship amongst the players!”

As 4get-me-not, we continue to organize events for seniors since, according to Dubai Statistics Center and (UAE) and Alzheimer’s disease International (UK) Demonstrate a downward trend of Alzheimer’s cases among the elderly who are engaged in activities; there is a growing body of evidence that sharing experiences and teaching skills are beneficial for seniors. While not a formally recognized therapy, it is a powerful medicine for all who are involved in the process. Research shows that for seniors to have the opportunity to help others as mentors improves their self-esteem, enhances feelings of control, lessens depression and best of all improves cognitive functioning.

About 4get-me-not:

4get-me-not, the only Social Enterprise in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East which focuses on seniors (60 years old and above) as part of its mission to address Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), was launched in 2013. It’s Founder – Desirée Vlekken, belongs to a community touched by AD where both her father and father-in-law drew inspiration to create a social platform for families and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.

4get-me-not creates a positive impact to the society, particularly the senior community by creating awareness on the importance of giving proper attention to their wellbeing and quality of life as one of the means to prevent AD. Positive lifestyle approaches are considered to help seniors cope with physical and cognitive changes.

AD is a growing global health issue that affects a large majority of the senior community with one person in every three seconds reported to have it. 4get-me-not has been working with various International organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) London office, Dementia Friends of Alzheimer’s Society UK and World Health Organization (WHO) through its Eastern Mediterranean Office, to build a vibrant community that addresses Alzheimer’s in a preventive, holistic and innovative way.

http://www.4get-me-not.org/

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – Email: zareen@w2wevents.com  

Serving 100 % organic cuisine in the region, opens on 17^th of September 2020 at Al Ferdous Complex in Jumeriah

Organic Farms & Let’s Organics introduces a 100% organic cuisine using the finest ingredients at “Let’s Organic Restaurant & Café” opening on Thursday 17^th of September at Al Ferdous Complex in Jumeriah; the restaurant will be serving tantalizing Mediterranean and Italian cuisine with vegan and gluten free options.

Let’s Organic Restaurant & Café is the brainchild of Ahmed Mohammad Abdulla Alqaz Alfalasi – Chairman of Organic Farms & Let’s Organic, his efforts began with the opening of the 5000 sq ft Let’s Organic Department Store in December 2019; he managed to make this a unique venture by connecting with over 50,000 marginal farmers directly and through partner organizations, farmers group, self-help groups and NGO’s internationally.

“During my life’s journey, I discovered the sheer joy of eating and living within an organic lifestyle. From the food on my table, to the products and detergents I used to clean my home and all aspects of my life, my family and I evolved a complete organic living. Let’s Organic goes far beyond than just a business for us, this is our commitment to touch each and everyone’s life in a positive way and a pledge to contribute to a healthier happy society” explains Ahmed Mohammad Abdulla Alqaz Alfalasi  – Chairman, Organic Farms & Let’s Organic

“We believe every food we bring and serve or sell is an investment on our customer’s health and body. We have handpicked some of the best ingredients, put them together and ensure a healthy dining experience to our customers”, said Mohamed Sohel Ellikka, Managing Director, Let’s Organic

Let’s Organic works closely with the UAE government and embraces ethical & sustainable practices whilst supporting local farmers and producers offering customers a wide variety of organic products from farm to home; in his continued determination to create an organic community in his home country, of UAE; Mr. Alfalasi is now set to launch the 100% “Let’s Organic Café & Restaurant” which will be headed by Chef Marco Pirola.

Official Website: https://letsorganic.com/

Let’s Organic Café & Restaurant Opening details:

Date: Thursday Sept 17, 2020

Time:  7:00pm Onwards

Location: Shop #10, Al Ferdous 3, Al Ferdous Complex, Al Safa 1, Jumeirah, Dubai.

To attend opening, please RSVP to zareen@w2wevents.com 

(Due to social distancing, we will be accommodating limited number of guests, please reserve yourself by emailing your name and media details. 

*We are also reserving one on one sessions post opening of the café for Journalists, you can request for that also and we will share the available time and dates)

For more press details please contact zareen@w2wevents.com / 052 7655525

Sandhya Rajan offers a workshop on 5^th of August on how to create recycle fabrics and create reusable facemasks at the Dubai International Art Centre

Dubai International Art Centre in collaboration with Dubai based Fashion Designer Sandhya Rajan will be hosting an exclusive workshop using recycled fabrics to create reusable masks. The class will be held on Wednesday 5^th of August from 10:00am till 12:00pm; keeping social distancing measures in place the class will have limited seats available. To register for the workshop one can email info@artdubai.com or call +9714 344 4398.

For this workshop, everyone is requested to bring fabrics or clothes that they want to recycle. The idea is to relearn how to be more ethical through upcycling, repairing and recycling these in to fashionable facemasks that are eco friendly and reusable.

 

“My inspiration for creating masks has been for a less polluted mama earth; before I could think of teaching others to make masks, I learnt how to make masks and in March when wearing masks became our new normal; I feel that propelled me to upcycle older fabrics and create reusable masks” explains Sandhya Rajan

Sandhya Rajan is a dubai based designer, she started her career with Swarovski young designers for bride show in 2008; proceeding to establish her own brand SASH in 2010 which has always thrived to be ethical in all its creations; the brand constantly gave life to old clothes and discarded sarees; converting them in to beautiful dresses, blouses and their signature dhotis. This session is in collaboration with the Dubai International Art Centre and is open to all.

Workshop details

Date: Wednesday 5th August 2020

Time: 10:00am till 12:00pm

Venue: Dubai International Art Centre

Price: AED 210 (inclusive of VAT)

Register: info@artdubai.com / +9714 344 4398

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – Email: zareen@w2wevents.com  – 052 – 765 5525