The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council kicked off its inaugural Small World Café with a conversation between members and Shazia Bashir of Pakistan. The initiative highlights exchange alumni and their work and gives Floridians an avenue to engage the world.
Bashir came to Pensacola in May 2015. At that time, her work focused on encouraging women to participate in all levels of politics and society in Pakistan. She had also recently started a campaign in the Punjab area for women’s voting rights. Currently, she works for the Red Crescent and continues her social work with vulnerable citizens.
During the conversation, Bashir and the members of the Council shared some of their recent experiences with quarantine. Everyone was also delighted to hear she had recently gotten married and wished her the best. The discussion took a more serious turn as COVID-19 stepped into the frame and the participants shared how the pandemic is affecting their lives. The discussion finished with Bashir inviting her daughter to the computer where the members happily answered the elementary school student’s thoughtful question.
The coronavirus has overturned our schedules and economies. It has reminded us of the natural human tendency to take things for granted and has underscored our interdependence in a world where many worship at the altar of individualism. During this time of physical distancing and hyper digital connection, the Small World Café highlights the value of international exchange and reminds us how much we have yet to learn from one another.
