US committed to advancing gender equity: diplomat

Islamabad: Newly-appointed US Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie Baker on Friday said her country was strongly committed to advancing gender equity, and ensuring that everyone – regardless of gender or gender identity – has the opportunity to succeed.

“Through programmes like the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, the TechGirls exchange initiative, and the Women in Energy Scholars programme, we [the US] are equipping women and girls with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive,” Ms Baker said during her inaugural visit to Lahore.

Joined by US Consul General Kristin Hawkins, the US deputy chief of mission explored how the US-Pakistan partnerships have been strengthening bilateral trade and investment, cultural preservation efforts, and educational opportunities for youth in Punjab.

She met with representatives of US businesses to discuss how American companies are generating high-quality jobs for Pakistani youth and giving back to Pakistani communities through a wide range of corporate initiatives.

In a strong show of support for gender equity, DCM Baker and Consul General Hawkins played cricket with female athletes at the National High-Performance Centre, where she highlighted US-funded initiatives empowering young Pakistani women through sports, exchange programs, and more.

She said over the past year, the US had supported efforts at 14 schools and universities across Punjab to expand opportunities for women and girls to participate in sports and develop leadership skills.

Ms Baker also met with members of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, recognising the crucial role that Pakistani alumni of US-funded exchange programmes play in building bridges between the US and Pakistan and in using the knowledge they gained through their exchange programs to benefit their local communities.