Embassies, IWCCI to jointly take women empowerment initiatives

Pakistani women have great potential to spark economic growth

Islamabad: August 29

Women's economic empowerment has a crucial role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan therefore we have decided to cooperate with the IWCCI to meet the noble objective.

This was the crux of the speeches delivered by the spouses of Ambassador of Australia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka at a function organised by Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking to businesswomen, Ms. Susan Heyward, Herry Listyawati, and Kumari Weerakkody said that we will jointly take steps to ensure capacity building and empowerment of women so that they can play their due role in the national development.

They said that supporting entrepreneurship is the best way to empower women which helps them realise their potential and fulfil their aspirations.

“We will enrich the women with practical skills for future livelihood endeavours,” they said adding that we will look into introducing some unique income-generating projects for local women.

Advancing women’s participation in all walks of life has become imperative without which a country cannot develop, they observed.

Speaking at the occasion, founder president and incumbent President of the IWCCI Samina Fazil and Farida Rashid said that Pakistani women needs improved access to education, health care and economic resources so that culture of discrimination can be successfully eliminated.

They called upon the developed countries to help business chambers enhance their technical capacity and organizational capability so that businesswomen may not face serious hardships in future.

The leaders of women entrepreneurs said that we are committed to increasing the opportunities and well-being of women and consider gender equality as an integral part of sustainable development.

We will continue to raise public awareness, try to gain influence with decision makers, support and promote women’s leadership agenda, and advocate for a change, said Samina Fazil and Farida Rashid.

Women comprise more than 50 per cent of total population but they have been forced into a systemic gender subordination which has pushed Pakistan at the bottom of Global Gender Gap Report.

Women need to be included in economic activities in order for countries to truly experience development and peace, said Farida Rashid.