Tabassum Adnan, founder of the Kwendo Jirga (Sister’s Council) of Pakistan, was honored yesterday at the U.S. Department of State as a 2015 International Woman of Courage. This is the only State Department award that pays tribute to emerging women leaders worldwide. She will be arrive in Pensacola over the weekend and will speak at event open to the public on Tuesday, March 10, at the Third Annual Celebration of International Women’s Day in Northwest Florida.
While here Adnan will visit Favor House, Pace Center, Gulf Coast Kids’House and other groups. She will also meet with a group of IN Rising Stars.
Hailing from the formerly Taliban-controlled Swat Valley, she is a women’s rights advocate working despite numerous threats. She shared yesterday, “We’ve come a long way, and it won’t be easy to back off now.”
First Lady Michelle Obama noted in her address, “It’s dangerous work, and progress doesn’t come easily, but Tabassum won’t give up.”
“We are looking forward to meeting Ms. Adnan and to introducing her to those in our community who are working with innovative ways to empower women and girls,” said Jena Melancon, executive director of the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council which is hosting Adnan while she is in Florida. “Time at FAVOR House, the PACE Center for Girls, and a discussion with a Victim’s Rights Advocate at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office are all on her agenda as are meetings focusing on leadership & mobilizing women to vote.”