MGYW

MGYW Fundraising Banquet held in November 2023

On November 11, 2023, Pakistani American Forum/Merit Grants for Young Women (MGYW) held its fundraising dinner at a local hotel in Southern California. MGYW is a non-profit 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization founded in 2000 to promote higher education among under-privileged young women of Pakistan. After Qirat recital by Anwar Memon, Community Activist Mohammad Khan introduced Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (37th District) who honored MGYW and its Board Members for their exemplary service to promote education among among under-privileged young women of Pakistan. All Board Members, including Tasneem Afzal, Zeenat Jandga (who also served as an Emcee), Abida Ahmed, Dr. Bina Kamdar, Dr. Farhana Mohamed, and Zille Huma Zaman introduced guests of honor; Farhana Mohamed made a power point presentation to introduce MGYW; Consul General Asim Ali Khan, Mrs. Faiza Ali Khan, Artesia City Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj, and several community leaders were the Honored Guest speakers; Kashif Khan entertained the guests with his comedy as well as assisted Dr. Bina Kamdar in conducting a vey successful fundraiser. Achievement awards were presented to Kashif Khan, Aleeza Adnan, and Late Yasmin Gajiani. In addition to update on recent MGYW activities and raffle prizes, musical entertainment was provided by well known performers Arshad & Shazia Ali and photography was done by Amjad Ali. All Board Members and community volunteers worked very hard to make the program a resounding success.

SAVE THE DATE!
Tasneem Afzal Abida Ahmed Bina Kamdar Farhana Mohamed Zeenat Jandga Zille Huma Zaman

MGYW Profiles of Excellence

Two accomplished women in MGYW’s circle won accolades as they were recognized for their accomplishments.

1. Dr. Quratulain Bakhteari of IDSP/Balochistan projects (partly supported by MGYW) received women’s achievement award from Hum TV Network. She was also nominated for Nobel Peace Prize and won the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2006.

Following links highlight additional accomplishments for Dr. Quratulain Bakhteari.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAdQCkjI9CQ
https://www.dawn.com/news/145725/29-women-named-for-nobel-peace-prize
https://skoll.org/organization/institute-for-development-studies-and-practices/
https://www.ashoka.org/en-us/fellow/qurat-ul-ain-bakhtiari
https://www.womenwhowin100.com/blog/dr-quratul-ain-bakhteari-idsp-women-activist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYgRuVBY6fg

2. Lena Khan (MGYW’s past achievement award recipient) She is the executive producer of the documentary “Stranger at the Gate” which was shortlisted for Oscars in 2023 and also nominated for critics choice before the Oscars. Lena is a writer and director. Her first feature film, Tiger Hunter, released in over 70 cities nationwide and garnered effusively positive reviews from The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and more. Fresh off of her first film, Disney tapped Lena to direct Flora & Ulysses, a live action family comedy, that released this year and was among the top streamed movies in the world for multiple weeks. She recently filmed several episodes of Mindy Kaling's award-winning Netflix Show, "Never Have I Ever" and is now working on several feature and TV projects.

Credits: Farhana Mohamed & Jason Chau

MGYW’s International Women's Day Gala on March: It’s all about Empowerment

The Pakistani American Forum - Merit Grants for Young Women (MGYW) organized International Women's Day Gala on March 4 at a local restaurant, The program was aptly emceed by Dr. Sana Kamdar. The program was introduced by Dr. Bina Kamdar. It started with Quranic Recitation by Huda Nadeem followed by Pak and US national anthems.. For over twenty years, MGYW is playing a positive role in providing educational opportunities for underprivileged young women of Pakistan throughout the four provinces of Pakistan. It is diligently trying to fill the gap due to limited government resources.

The program followed with the welcome, MGYW mission and goals, and introduction of MGYW Board Members by the President Tasneem Afzal. These included Abida Ahmed, Bilquis Haider, Zeenat Jandga, Dr. Bina Kamdar, Dr. Farhana Mohamed, and Zille Huma Zaman. The program was highly entertaining with Board Members and guests actively participating in singing and dance competitions. The guests greatly enjoyed the interactive participation in musical and dance performances. There were many free raffle drawings. MGYW Board also presented plaque to Founder/CEO Farhana Mohamed for her long services to MGYW. The program was highly successful due to the efforts put forth by all Board Members, especially Bina Kamdar and Zille Huma. The Board is profoundly grateful to the event sponsors, generous donors, and volunteers for their huge support.

Please donate in Ramadan to support education of underprivileged young women of Pakistan. For making donations us the link below:
www.mgyw.org/online

Mark your calendar!

MGYW’s Fundraising Luncheon for 2022

Pakistani American Forum/Merit Grants for Young Women (MGYW) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization founded in 2000 to promote higher education among under-privileged young women of Pakistan. On October 23, 2022, MGYW held its fundraising luncheon at a local hotel in Southern California. Pakistan's TV personality Nelofer Abbasi was the Chief Guest. Acting Consul General Shahras Asim, Commercial Consul Quratulain Fatima, Artesia Mayor Ali Sajjad Taj, and Dr. Sana Khan also attended as Honored Guest speakers along with Representatives from several prominent Pakistani American non profit organizations. In addition to update on recent MGYW activities and raffle prizes, musical entertainment was provided by well known performers Arshad & Shazia Ali, and young Rafae Khawaja. All Board Members, media consultant, and young volunteers worked very hard to make the program a resounding success.

Please donate in Ramadan to support education of underprivileged young women of Pakistan. For making donations us the link below:

www.mgyw.org/online

Pakistani-American Forum/Merit Grants for Young Women (MGYW) recently held a successful annual luncheon banquet in a local hotel. The program was emceed by Tasneem Afzal and Dr. Sana Kamdar. Young Adam Jandga opened the program with Qirat. The program included overview of MGYW’s almost one dozen projects throughout Pakistan presented by Dr. Farhana Mohamed. Continuing with the tradition, this year MGYW presented empowerment awards for Outstanding Creativity to Film Maker Iram Parveen Bilal and Director/Writer Lena Khan. There was also Video presentation of their accomplishments The inspirational keynote address at the banquet was delivered by Dr. Sana U. Khan, followed by impressive speeches by Consul General Dr. Abdul Jabbar Memon. Artesia City Mayor Ali Sajjad Taj.

Since 2000, MGYW has been successfully providing sustained educational opportunities to thousands of young women belonging to impoverished families in urban and rural areas of Pakistan. MGYW works with several reputable non-profit schools & local activists with an impressive network of about 24,000 students. It also invests in schools’ infrastructure projects & supports operational needs. So far MGYW has supported education directly or indirectly of over 10,000 girls – many girls have graduated & are now gainfully employed as well as positively influencing their families. MGYW has been commended repeatedly for “its exemplary work in the field of female education and social uplifting in Pakistan”. The program included enchanting musical performance by Abdul Bihar Afghani. Raffle prizes were also distributed. The Board Members that made the program a huge success included Tasneem Afzal , Abida Ahmed, Bilquis Haider, Dr. Bina Kamdar, Dr. Farhana Mohamed and Zeenat Jandga. Dr. Aysha Jabbar (Atlanta) and Zille Huma Zaman (Dallas) also provided support. Young volunteers included Alina Ahmed, Ambreen Mohamed, Osman Mohamed, and Sana Kamdar.

MGYW Pakistan Celebrates National Events

MGYW (Merit Grant For Young Women) of Pakistan organized an event on September 12th on the occasion of August 14th Independence Day of Pakistan and July 4th Independence Day of USA (where MGYW was founded) which was held at Marriott Hotel Karachi organized by MGYW Office Holders and Volunteers. Quite a few MGYW scholars and their parents showed up. Young students expressed their appreciation for their country with interesting speeches and poems. The program concluded with national anthem recital by all participants. The event was full of fun and joy with all together - it was a wonderful program. Special transportation arrangements were made to facilitate kids and families. The program concluded with refreshments. A big round of applause to Shazia Hussain, Anum Rehman, Swaleha Khan, Kashish Khan, Mashoora Hussain, and others for bringing together MGYW scholars from all nooks and corners of Karachi to celebrate with pride.
Reported by Anum Rehman; posted by Jason Chau

Happy 74th Anniversary!Anniverary

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