Networking luncheon brings together women professionals

Karachi
The Dawood Global Foundation (DGF) and the British Deputy High Commission jointly hosted Pakistan’s premier women professionals and entrepreneurs speed networking luncheon at the deputy high commission premises on Saturday afternoon.
Over a 100 women professionals and entrepreneurs from multinationals, retail, medical, accountancy and legal professions, besides NGOs and welfare programmes gathered on the meticulously-manicured lawns of the British deputy high commission, a lush oasis amid Karachi’s concrete clutter with balmy sunshine and a gentle Arabian sea breeze, to form professional contacts and spot potential clients to advance their businesses and careers.
This year, there was an exciting star component with the announcement of the Ladiesfund 2015 Women of Inspiration. Aamina Sheikh, Amna Ilyas, Atiqa Odho, Nadia Hussain, Saeeda Mandviwala, Saman Malik, Shamaeel Ansari, Shamain Faruque, Shireen Anwar, Tina Sani and Warda Saleem were all bestowed with the honour for making an outstanding contribution in their respective fields of endeavour.
Funds generated at the luncheon will be channelised into the charitable work of the DGF
for women’s advancement. Thus far, the DGF has sponsored the education of 550 deserving girls to become journalists through its educate-a-girl programme.
Speaking on the occasion, the British Deputy High Commissioner, John Tucknott, said, “Women in Pakistan have become an important force as drivers of economic development and job creation. We congratulate the successful, talented, and dynamic women of the country for not only enhancing the quality of their lives but also for helping Pakistan build a more prosperous future.”
According to him, the occasion showcased the empowerment of women in Pakistan. “The country faces immense challenges, both locally and internationally, but there is great hope that these challenges will be confronted successfully given the drive and initiative displayed by Pakistani women.”
The DGF president, Tara Uzra Dawood, said in her welcome address, “Networking and building trust among working women is the key to their advancement, business development and prosperity. We are honoured to partner with the British Deputy High Commission for the third time to facilitate women’s advancement in Pakistan.”
She thanked Deputy High Commissioner John Tucknottt for his cooperation and said that there was more to learn from each other. Till now, she said, the GDF had educated 2,000 girls in various disciplines.