Saturday 1st Feb

Scaling New Heights

Location: Hall 2 Anum Uzair, a Pakistani mountaineer and adventurer, whose expeditions challenge patriarchal norms and colonial legacies while reclaiming the breathtaking landscapes of her homeland comes to WOW. With every climb and journey, Anum creates space for women in places they have long been told they do not belong, proving that exploration and adventure are fundamental rights for all. Her story weaves through the rugged northern wilderness of Pakistan, where she highlights the inequities in access to the mountains. While foreign teams often dominate the country’s peaks, local adventurers like Anum must overcome significant barriers. Her pioneering climbs are more than personal achievements; they are acts of decolonization, reconnecting young Pakistanis to the ancestral lands of their majestic mountains. But Anum’s adventures don’t stop there. Recently, she embarked on a solo journey to the Thar Desert, immersing herself in the vibrant landscapes and resilient communities of Sindh. In Karachi, she broke new ground by participating in the city’s first international marathon, underscoring her commitment to pushing boundaries, both physical and societal. Anum’s story is one of resilience and courage. Through her endeavors, she inspires a new generation to view the mountains, deserts, and cityscapes not just as places to explore but as integral to their identity and heritage. Reimagining beauty from pressure to empowerment: In a world where media and culture often define beauty through narrow, unattainable standards, women face immense pressure to conform, leading to challenges in self-esteem and mental health. This thought-provoking discussion delves into the transformative power of body positivity and self-acceptance, questioning traditional beauty ideals and celebrating the diversity of all body types. It will also examine the dual role of social media—how it both perpetuates harmful narratives and empowers movements for self-love, inclusivity, and community building. Join us to reimagine beauty as a source of empowerment rather than limitation