Kyle was on the receiving end of a bit of international culture last Tuesday as Mayor Johnson hosted a delegation of women from Pakistan. The International Visitor Leadership Program included (left to right) interpreter Mohammed, Ms. Shazia Ahmed, Ms. Rukhsana Bhatti, Kyle Mayor Lucy Johnson, Ms. Rehana Hadees, Ms. Fakhra Ilyas, Ms. Yasmin Zia. (Photo by Jerry Hendrix)
STAFF REPORTS
Kyle Mayor Lucy Johnson played host to a small delegation of women leaders from Pakistan during an informal meeting at Kyle City Hall on Tuesday, February 7. The delegation came to the U.S. through the Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program which fosters citizen-to-citizen diplomacy for emerging leaders. Johnson offered an opportunity to discuss how young women can succeed as political leaders and to learn of the mayor’s passion for politics and local government.
“It is always an honor to meet women from other countries who are making history by creating opportunities for women to become an active part of their country’s leadership,” Johnson said. “These women are very brave and I am inspired by their courage and fortitude in advancing their cause under some very difficult circumstances.”
The mayor and members of the delegation discussed various aspects of governance in the hour-long meeting. The women were interested in how Kyle’s government is structured and funded. They also had questions about the mayor’s governmental powers and her background.
“I was happy to learn that there are more opportunities for women becoming available in Pakistan,” said Johnson, “but I was also made aware that there are still many injustices and biases in their country that makes their struggle a very personal one. I deeply admire these women for their commitment to advancing the role of women in Pakistan and I am also convinced that Pakistan, and the world, will be better off because of their movement.”
