Women driving force behind national development

Islamabad:Role of women in the development of any country is pivotal and no economy can reach its true potential without fully engaging the talent, leadership, and resilience of its women-whether in cities, villages, or fields.

This was stated by Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan at an event titled 'Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for Women Entrepreneurs' and 'Women in Agriculture: Leadership, Innovation & Impact' under the Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP).

Aurangzeb highlighted that women in Pakistan are not just caretakers of homes but also vital contributors to agriculture, education, health care and entrepreneurship, adding that the increasing participation of women in arts, culture, and heritage preservation are a sign of a vibrant and evolving society.

The Minister further stressed the need for policies that ensure equal opportunities for women in every sphere of life. "Empowering women through education, skill development, and leadership roles is not a choice-it is a necessity," he emphasised. He stated that nation's strength lies in the inclusion of all its citizens, adding that when women thrive, families prosper, communities grow stronger, and nations rise.

The event brought together federal and Sindh government leaders of development organizations, financial institutions, private sector actors, and grassroots representatives to drive forward a shared agenda focused on women's economic empowerment, sustainable innovation, and inclusive growth.

Nadir Gul Brech, CEO of PPAF, underlined the importance of grassroots empowerment. "Economic empowerment starts from the ground up. At PPAF, our core mission is to build the capacity of women at the community level, ensuring they are not just included, but leading sustainable development. Their potential is our greatest untapped asset."