KARACHI: The last day of the debuting three-day Pakistan Women Festival 2017, hosted a series of panels, where the esteemed guests spoke about the importance of education, academic reforms, parents’ attitude towards their children excelling in their studies and also about health. The last day concluded with a music concert held on the same premises, featuring Stereo Nation, Amanat Ali, Zoe Viccaji and Alycia Dias. To kickstart Day 3, a motivational speaker session was held featuring politician Khushbakht Shujaat. The second session titled Women Tackling Challenges in Education was held featuring panellists FPCCI’s Standing Committee on Cyber Crimes Chairwoman Mahin Sahibzadi, Nargis Alvi and Oxford University Press Managing Director Ameena Saiyid. Replying to a question, Ameena Saiyid informed about how her journey had been in promoting the culture of book reading among not just adults but children as well. She spoke about how education had strengthened in some ways in the country, and how it had deteriorated in other ways. The panellists highlighted the fact about how parents put pressure on their children to attain straight As, and not understanding the lengthiness of the curricula. They discussed how private and government schools differed in rules and principals, and what could be a more effective way and efficient tools to make the environment of learning more conducive for the students. They discussed the literacy rate in Pakistan, and how women can act as custodians of books and education and impart their knowledge to students in a much effective and efficient way. Following the panel, there was an award ceremony, where the distinguished panellists each were handed out awards and prizes for their immense contributions in the field of education. The health panels consisted of sessions, discussing topics Paediatric Care Essentials in the 21st Century. This session consisted of Dr Atif Manzoor, Dr Fariduddin, Dr Anokhi Khanum and Dr Sohail Thobani. The concluding and the most interesting session of the day was Oral Hygiene for Healthier Living, comprising Dr Sidra Khan, Dr Babar Ashraf, Dr Javeria Qureshi and Dr Wajiha Rahman. Punjabi pop/bhangrra band Stereo Nationa, flanked by Zoe Viccaji, Alycia Dias and Amanat Ali sung their most hit tracks to conclude the night, getting the audience up on their feet. This three-day event was organised and arranged by the creative team behind Starlinks. Published in Daily Times, August 17th 2017.