women
Given the financial and economic challenges being faced by everyone today, we will need all the economic growth, dynamism and ingenuity we can get in the years ahead. Thankfully, a key part of the solution is staring us right in the face - unleashing the economic power of women. Recently, Dawood Global Foundation held the 7th Ladiesfund Sustainability Luncheon at British Deputy High Commission Karachi where corporates and businesses were awarded for their commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) and women businesses trained in alliance. With trainers and speakers from United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
President Tara Uzra Dawood welcomed guests and stated, “Ladiesfund stands for women with economic power and voice and of course, impact and today we take that a step further strengthening that to sustainability and aligning women businesses and acknowledging corporates who are committed to the UNSDG and in particular: UNSG Goal 5: Gender Equality.”
Peter Hurst, UNIDO Global expert and British Citizen, gave a keynote speech, “Excited to be at this very exciting programme connecting to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Women empowerment and women equity are very focused on in the Sindh province.” Hurst was joined by Qasar Wasique Ahmad who has been with UNIDO since 2013. He met with and helped train various women professionals and entrepreneurs at this event. Rida Amjad Mirza and Hameeda Kaleem of UNIDO also spoke at the event.
UNSDG Specialist trainer Xenab F. Ansari took the attendees through the 17 goals as well as a detailed step-by-step plan of action. 10 ‘Women of Inspiration 2023’ were awarded who then mentored the guests. These women included Nargis Rehman, Sharmila Farooqui, Shaniera Akram, Dr Ishrat Lindblad, Naz Khan, Hena Sadeq, Nighat Misbah, Dr Mahnaz Shah, Niilofur Farrukh and Frieha Altaf. Some businesses which were awarded include National Foods, HOM, EY, Glow & Lovely, Toni & Guy, and training was done of women professionals, SMEs, home chefs, and a handful of rural women.
Asma Ahmad, Head of Culture & Sustainability National Foods’ said, “Thank you for being gracious hosts at the Sustainability Luncheon. And congratulations on the wonderful turn out. I must appreciate your efforts in organising talks by Peter Hurst from UNIDO and Rida Amjad from UNDP - both spoke about the very relevant topics of female education, climate, and food security and delivered their talks impeccably. Also meeting the panel of home chefs was inspiring!”
In the audience, there were 210 guests including Huma Khalid from IFC, Hira Wajahat Khan from Stimulus consultancy for the World Bank, Zeba Bakhtiar, Shamaeel Ansari, Dr. Huma Baqai, Jehan Ara, Nighat Misbah and Naureen Hyatt.
It was a great evening dedicated to women empowerment and with many notable people in attendance, the cause was significantly highlighted. The funds generated from this event will be utilised towards the charitable efforts of DGF for women advancement with intended focus on Educate a Girl trainings.
- You! desk
