Agent of change: Breaking barriers, one event at a time

Xara Babar provides women outlets to let their hair down

PESHAWAR:

Change does not happen overnight. It requires a decades-long struggle to reset directions and establish new priorities. Xara Babar, an event manager based in the city, realises the futility of her own efforts to alter gender equations in a male-dominated society. However, this has not put a full stop to her plans to carve a niche for women in Peshawar’s city life.  

In a city which does not boast many outlets for women to let their hair down and enjoy themselves, Babar has taken it upon herself to alter the system  from within.

She took on the mission soon after she completed her undergraduate degree in accounting.

Babar knew from the outset that it would be difficult to break away from crushing conservative sensibilities and creating a space for women to come together and connect. However, she firmly believed that success is an outcome of hard work and determination. This mantra helped her steer though the difficult times.

In 2013, Babar launched an Eid Gala at Jugnu’s Salon where a large number of women participated along with their children.

“The event received a favourable response,” she said. “However, I realised there were many obstacles which still had to be surmounted.”

Babar started working as an event manager in the city and became affiliated with Concepteur Lounge – a firm that helped women set up their own businesses. “After working there for two years, I started my own firm,” she said. “I began organising a plethora of events for women and children in Peshawar. My aim was to provide a diverse menu of opportunities for women who found it difficult to participate in recreational activities.”

Par excellence

Over the years, Babar arranged a series of events and encouraged women and children to attend.

“These include festivals for Chand Raat, Eid galas, cooking classes, movie nights, cricket matches, Independence Day events, magic shows, birthday parties, Halloween parties and musical shows,” she said. She also held 12 exhibitions in the city.

Babar has managed to establish a clientele in the city and has even started taking orders online for events.

“I have always tried to follow current trends,” Babar said. “I prefer to look beyond conventional mode of entertainment in the city and give people a perfect fusion of East and West.”

As a result, many people trust her instinct and look forward to attending events she has planned.

On the cards

Babar’s upcoming projects include concerts, swimming classes and fashion shows for women.

“I am also planning to establish an institute where women can acquire various skills,” she said. “I also want to create a safe space for women to go for morning walks, exercise, yoga and jogs.”

Women in Peshawar have become more aware of the latest trends in fashion, music and entertainment and Babar believes she has a role to play in bringing about this change.

“It's not easy to do what I do,” Babar said. “Nevertheless, I love my job.”

Babar seldom makes a sizeable profit in her business.

“However, I don’t do this for the money,” she said. “My aim is to make sure people have fun. At the end of the day when people enjoy my event, that's all the profit I wish to take home.”

Recipe for success

Ayla Khattak, owner of Cheese Crust, told The Express Tribune Babar’s activities have reminded women that they too can partake in the numerous recreational activities planned across the city.

“Women get the opportunity to go out, interact with people and refresh their minds,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2015.