UN, Danish embassy host IWD gala

Islamabad:The UN Resident Coordinator Office in Pakistan, UN Women and the Embassy of Denmark hosted an International Women’s Day (IWD) Gala in Islamabad highlighting the importance of investing in women to shape a better future for all in Pakistan, says a press release.

The gala, titled “Empowering Women: A Smart Investment for Pakistan”, was building on this year’s IWD’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” It emphasized that empowering women economically and ensuring women’s and girls’ rights across all aspects of life is the only way to secure a prosperous and just economy, and an inclusive and fair society.

“Let today be not only a celebration of the amazing abilities and achievements of women and girls across Pakistan, but also the turning point where we committed to reinforce our collective efforts to invest in their advancement and well-being,” said Mr. Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan, in his welcome remarks. “When women overcome challenges, achieve gender equality, and fully participate in society, everyone wins.”

Pakistan has put efforts towards gender equality and women empowerment over the years, and has passed a number of pro-women legislations. Women’s labour force participation doubled from 13 per cent in 1992 to 22.5 per cent in 2018, but it remains among the lowest rates in South Asia and in the world. Most women workers are concentrated in the informal economy while women’s key role in agriculture remains undervalued and, often, unpaid or underpaid.

“As we gather to celebrate International Women’s Day, it is with immense pride and gratitude that we acknowledge the remarkable contributions of women in Pakistan and across the globe, said Nilofar Bakhtiar, chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW).” We celebrate the resilience and achievements of women and girls around the world. Let us remember that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a human rights issue that requires the effort of all genders and we must continue to advocate for justice, equality, and dignity for all.”

Achieving gender equality is one of the pillars of the cooperation agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Pakistan, and is at the heart of the United Nations’ Global Goal 5.

Fang Wang, wife of Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan and Acting President of Islamabad Foreign Women’s Association welcomed all guests during the ceremony and thanked them for attending the event.

During the gala, which was hosted at the Residence of the Ambassador of Denmark, representatives of the Government of Pakistan, ambassadors, representatives of UN agencies and leaders from the private sector pledged to drive progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of women.

“As we celebrate women this year, we must put a special emphasis on their economic empowerment. We will spotlight the significant positions and impactful contributions made by women and girls in reshaping the economic terrain, said Lansana Wonneh, UN Women Country Representative at the Gala which showcased speeches, video screenings, and the debut of a women empowerment song.