ALKHOBAR, 9 April 2004 — A small gathering of Indo-Pakistani women participated in a floral arrangement and henna competition organized by the Social Welfare Group (SWG) at Al-Rabea hotel.
Sheema, a housewife, won first prize for her floral arrangement which was simple but elegant, using carnations and hybrid asters. “I did a B.Sc. in home science and today I was able to utilize what I have learned,” said Sheema.
Nida Zahid, a 12th grader was the winner in the henna applying competition. She mixed henna with glitter to give it a sparkling look.
She was advised by many ladies present there to go professional. “You can make some quick money, they tell me, but I only apply henna for fun and creativity,” Nida said. “Henna with glitter breaks the monotony of the old, traditional look,” she added.
Gulshan Nawaz, the organizer of SWG and president of the Writer’s Forum said that her organization tried to provide some entertainment and some useful tips to the community women. “Women here remain mostly confined to home and they need some outlet. We try to entertain as well as teach them something by organizing such functions.”
Mrs. S. Khan gave a short lecture on fire prevention and shared several tragic cases in which women had lost their lives because of fires triggered by faulty cylinders.
“You should always leave your kitchen window partially open in case there is a gas leak. Also, teach your children about the dangers of fire and how to act in case of a fire,” she said.
