OICCI pledges to empower women workforce

KARACHI: The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has announced a pledge by its members that aims to create more inclusive workplaces and empower women in the workforce across Pakistan.
This pledge was announced in collaboration with UN Women as part of an ambition to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards gender equality and to serve as an inspiration for businesses in Pakistan and beyond.
To further this commitment over the next three years, OICCI members will focus on establishing a conducive environment that enhances gender equality and develop women for high level corporate leadership.
In moving towards realisation of gender equality and women’s empowerment, UN Women Pakistan provides support to innovative initiatives that promote women’s human rights, with special focus on their economic security, political participation and freedom from violence. Khalid Mansoor, president, Managing Committee, OICCI, said, “OICCI members have a strong commitment towards gender balancing and have pledged to support initiatives towards empowering women in the socio economic growth of Pakistan.”
UN Women Pakistan Country Representative Jamshed Kazi said, “Empowering women within the growing corporate sector is a challenge where, we believe, the private sector can be the ‘agents of change’ to build a healthy environment where gender equality is considered a reality, encouraging more women to gain confidence in their ability to assume senior management positions including as CEOs and members of the board of directors.”
OICCI CSR Subcommittee Chairman Bruno Olierhoek said, “The OICCI women initiative wants to propose a concrete way forward, a “how to” manual, helping organisations to have a women friendly work environment. I believe that OICCI together with UN Women can start a movement in Pakistan, by promoting this simple and pragmatic approach and thus making a real impact.” Shazia Syed, Co-Chair, said, “It is our responsibility as business leaders to recognise the business case for gender equality and diversity in the workplace.