UAA alumna Shehla Anjum offers Alaska Women's Political Caucus an overview of Pakistani history and women's issues on Nov. 4

Wednesday. Nov. 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Anchorage Senior Center, 1300 E. 19th Ave.

UAA alumna Shehla Anjum will discuss the role of religion in the lives of Pakistan's citizens and how that affects society, and particularly the status of women. She'll also talk about the importance of education and how women have benefited from it, the gains they have made, and what they might lose if Pakistan succumbs to the Taliban's dream of imposing a strict version of Islam
that will make women prisoners in their homes.

In Pakistan, especially in the cities and bigger towns, women work as teachers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, architects, managers, television anchors, for ad agencies and newspapers -- in short, in just about every profession. Many of them choose to wear the hijab and many don't, but they are all fiercely proud of their accomplishments and have a strong sense of entitlement.

Now they are worried that they might not be able to pursue their dreams in the same manner as they have been able to the last 62 years, since Pakistan's creation.

An optional dinner will be available for $15. For more information, please contact Heather Aronno at (907) 440-8390 or e-mail
ashej4@uaa.alaska.edu.