Dawood Global Foundation held the 14th LADIESFUND Women’s Awards for Pakistan 2023 at Sindh Governor House, Karachi, honoring the nation’s most distinguished and significant women of the year, and aligning Pakistani women and businesses to the UN Sustainable Development Goal., in partnership with the UN Global Compact Pakistan and Girl 2030. The the event was made possible by the generous Gold sponsorship of Bank Alfalah and Artistic Milliners Pvt. Ltd.
“These awards are about highlighting the best of Pakistani women, and also a gathering of the most dynamic and enterprising minds,” said Dawood Global Foundation President Tara Uzra Dawood, “We cannot thank enough the Governor Sindh, State Bank Governor, and incredible women and men who attend and make these events so alchemic and significant for our nation. It’s truly humbling.”Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori was Chief Guest, speaking about the government’s commitment to women.
“We commend and appreciate Dawood Global Foundation’s efforts to educate thousands of girls in Sindh and across Pakistan through their Educate a Girl program, including the daughters of the staff here at Sindh Governor House.
Their tireless efforts are also laudable for extending relief to the flood affectees with food, rations, and bamboo houses and distributing wheelchairs across Sindh and Pakistan.I would also acknowledge their initiatives like the Karachi Night Market for the promotion of women SMEs and artisans. Once again extend my heartiest admiration to LADIESFUND and congratulate every recipient of the award here and wish for their more accomplishments in days to come,” said Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori.
“To reduce the gender gap and financially empower women to play their productive role as economic agents, the State Bank of Pakistan – as the regulator of the country’s banking system – is striving to make the policy and regulatory framework more conducive for women’s financial inclusion. An important step taken in that direction is the launch of the landmark Gender Mainstreaming Policy, called Banking on Equality, in 2021,” said State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad in a statement as he was called away to an urgent meeting, “I am also pleased to note that the SBP has partnered with the LADIESFUND in the past and going forward, we are open to collaborating further with the LADIESFUND and other stakeholders to leverage theirnetworks to promoting women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.”
The LADIESFUND 2023 Trailblazer winner was Shafaq Sewani (Fresh Basket), the Momentum winner was Shamaeel Ansari and Woman of the Year was Parveen Rizvi (Sangeeta), as voted by the Pakistani public. Additionally, the LADIESFUND Posthumous Awards have been won by Mrs. Akhtar Riazuddin (Late) and Nigar Ahmed (Late), and LADIESFUND Inclusivity award by transgender Bindiya Rana. The eminent Trailblazer finalists included Ayesha Samie Kashmiri from Lush Crush, Miara Shaikh and Saadia Yasin from Miaasa, and Shafaq Sewani from Fresh Basket.
The LADIESFUND Momentum Award 2023 finalists include Dr. Nida Hussain, Seema Mughal, and Shamaeel Ansari. The Woman of the Year 2023 finalists are Nargis Latif, ParveYear 2023 finalists are Nargis Latif, Parveen Rizvi (Sangeeta), and Dr. Quratul Ain Bakhteari.Commendation winners included Zarmeene Shah (Art), Dr. Farhana Awais (Broadcasting), Fauzia Khuhro (Bank Alfalah Flood Relief), Fatima Naseem (Sport), Aroob Shah (Sport), Mariam Ahmed (Fashion), Hina Mirza (Fashion), and for Artistic Milliners Literature Award: Shama Askari, Fouzia, and Yasmin Motasim. Mariam Ahmed and Hina Mirza, two names synonymous with Pakistani fashion, have been recognized for their work in the industry.Fauzia Khuhro has been awarded for her efforts towards the Bank Alfalah Flood Relief project. Shama Askari, Fouzia Saeed, and Yasmin Motasim have been recognized for their contribution to literature. Fatima Naseem and Aroob Shah have been commended for their outstanding achievements in the field of sports.The LADIESFUND 2023 Women of Inspiration present included Nighat Misbah, Naaz Khan, Hena Sadiq, Dr. Mahnaz Shah, and Frieha Altaf.
“Artistic Milliners view sustainability and social equity as two sides of the same coin. It’s why we’re committed to helping the women of our organization succeed in the workplace and beyond. And why we are partners of BSR’s HERessentials program and Gap’s PACE program, which allow us to empower our workers with health, financial, and life skills literacy. It’s also why we are so proud to be the Gold Sponsor of the eminent 14th LADIESFUND Women’s Awards for Pakistan 2023 and present the LADIESFUND Artistic Milliners Commendation for Literature to Shama Askari, Fouzia Saeed, and Yasmeen Motisam,” said Hira Farid, Artistic Milliners.
“Bank Alfalah committed USD 10 million for flood-impacted communities, rehabilitation through sustainable housing, bringing children back to school and healthcare. We are proud to be Gold Sponsor of the eminent 14th LADIESFUND Women’s Awards for Pakistan 2023 and present the LADIESFUND Bank Alfalah Commendation for Flood Relief to Fauzia Khuhro and thanking her for her contributions,” said Madiha Javed, Head of Corporate Communications at Bank Alfalah.
The event was made possible by the generous Gold sponsorship of Bank Alfalah and Artistic Milliners Pvt Ltd., in partnership with the UN Global Compact Pakistan and Girl 2030.Special thanks to the support of the Mian Abdullah Foundation, Mian Muzaffar Salon, Soya Supreme, and the support of Depilex, FM91, Nestle Pakistan, Swyft, Zeritta Flowers, Madiha Sikander, Sania Maskatia, Pie In the Sky, Igloo, Indus University, Oriental Cakes, Cups N Cakes, Warm delights, Tina & Vista Bakers, among others.
