A special Eid Milan gathering celebrating inclusion, empowerment, and community engagement was organized in Karachi by the Khudi Foundation in collaboration with Women in Rotary. The event was dedicated exclusively to members of the Karachi Deaf Women Association (KDWA) and brought together participants in an atmosphere of joy, dignity, and belonging.
The Eid Milan highlighted the importance of creating inclusive spaces where Deaf and hard-of-hearing women can actively participate, showcase their talents, and strengthen social connections. Organizers emphasized that the gathering was designed as a celebration of equality rather than a charitable initiative.
Sarwat N Shah Leads Initiative
The event was organized under the vision of Sarwat N. Shah, who has been actively promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.
According to organizers, the gathering reflected a commitment to ensuring that marginalized communities have opportunities to participate fully in social and cultural activities. Furthermore, participants were encouraged to take leading roles throughout the event.
The celebration brought together women from different backgrounds in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Karachi Deaf Women Showcase Talent
One of the highlights of the event was a cooking competition featuring dishes prepared by hearing-impaired cooking experts. Participants presented a variety of culinary creations that were evaluated for both presentation and taste.
The judging panel included Rtn. Durdana Arshad, Chef Sadaf Jan, Saima Qadir, Rtn. Maleeha Khan, Mehreen Furqan, and former senator Shirala Malik.
Cash prizes were awarded to all participants, recognizing their effort, creativity, and culinary skills. As a result, the competition became one of the most celebrated activities of the gathering.
KDWA Supports Inclusive Participation
The success of the event was supported by the efforts of Irem Jahan and sign language interpreter Naja, along with a dedicated team of volunteers.
Their work helped ensure smooth communication through Pakistani Sign Language (PSL), allowing participants to engage fully in every activity. Consequently, attendees were able to enjoy the event without communication barriers.
Organizers noted that accessibility remained a central feature throughout the celebration.
Women in Rotary Back Community Engagement
The initiative received support from Women in Rotary, Essa Labs, and the Karachi Deaf Women Association. These organizations contributed gifts, prizes, and resources that helped make the event possible.
Speaking at the gathering, Durdana Arshad, Chair of Women in Rotary, stated that the event reflected the organization’s commitment to celebrating and empowering hearing-impaired women through equitable participation.
The collaboration demonstrated how partnerships between community organizations can help advance inclusion and social engagement.
Khudi Foundation Expands Inclusion Efforts
During the event, Sarwat N. Shah emphasized that true inclusion involves creating spaces where communities can lead and thrive. She stated that the gathering showcased resilience, talent, and the strength of sisterhood among participants.
Organizers confirmed that the Eid Milan marks the beginning of a broader partnership involving Khudi Foundation, Women in Rotary, PWDs Network, Rotary Club of Karachi Silver Sands, Rotary Club of Happy Palace, and KDWA.
Plans are reportedly underway to organize similar initiatives regularly. The goal is to ensure that Deaf women in Karachi continue to have opportunities for empowerment, participation, and recognition within the community.
