Guest Speaker: Mr. YAHYA GHAZNAVI
For nearly seven years, Mr. YAHYA GHAZNAVI has been passionately dedicated to a self-initiated project titled “Women Empowerment Through Cricket,” aimed at fostering social change in Pakistan, particularly for girls from underprivileged schools. Recognizing the transformative power of sports, Mr. GHAZNAVI has organized annual tennis ball cricket programs involving four underprivileged girls' schools, including a school for the hearing impaired, an orphanage team, and a charity school. This initiative not only introduces the girls to cricket but also offers five days of coaching followed by a competition day, where parents are encouraged to support their children.
As a pioneer in Pakistan, Mr. GHAZNAVI introduced cricket coaching for girls with hearing impairments, providing them with a unique opportunity to forge friendships and develop social skills. This groundbreaking work has been supported by organizations such as Malik Sport, Grays of Cambridge, the Australian, Canadian, and British High Commissions, and Serena Hotels in Islamabad.
The girls participating in these programs often come from extremely humble backgrounds, with many having never engaged in sports or worn proper athletic attire. Despite initial shyness and hesitation, these girls have shown remarkable progress in confidence, team spirit, academic interest, and a positive attitude toward life. Witnessing their happiness and growth has been one of the most rewarding aspects of Mr. GHAZNAVI’s work.
In addition to local efforts, Mr. GHAZNAVI has extended support to individuals like Saira Jabeen from Kalash Valley, enabling her to pursue her cricket career in Sydney with Parramatta Women Club. Saira's success story, detailed in Mr. GHAZNAVI’s article "Defying all Odds" published in "THE NEWS," exemplifies the potential for social change through sports.
Recognizing the critical importance of women’s empowerment in Pakistan and other developing countries, where women constitute over fifty percent of the population, Mr. GHAZNAVI advocates for their inclusion in the mainstream workforce. This dedication to empowering women through sports has not only uplifted individuals but also initiated significant social changes in various communities.
Mr. GHAZNAVI is eager to share experiences and collaborate with other organizations to further this noble cause, ensuring that more girls can benefit from the empowerment and opportunities that sports can provide.
For more insights into Mr. GHAZNAVI’s work, please visit the following links:
WomenSport International
Email: info@womensportinternational.org
Website: https://womensportinternational.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/256383997740445/
Twitter: @WomenSportIntl