In a significant prelude to International Women’s Day, the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP) hosted a landmark event unveiling the EFP Gender Equality Policy Guidelines and acknowledging 40 organizations for their steadfast commitment to fostering gender-inclusive workplaces and empowering women. Attended by over 200 guests from diverse sectors, including employers, workers, development partners, and government officials, the ceremony in Karachi marked a crucial milestone in promoting gender equality and social justice.
Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the indispensable role of gender equality in driving sustainable development and promoting social justice. He lauded the government’s dedication to women’s empowerment and commended EFP’s proactive initiatives in advancing decent work conditions, including the formulation of the Gender Equality Policy Guidelines.
Geir Tonstoel, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office Islamabad, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the ILO’s commitment to equal opportunities for men and women in the workplace. He applauded EFP’s efforts in fostering gender equality and urged member organizations to embrace practices promoting discrimination-free workplaces. President of EFP, Malik Tahir Javaid, reiterated the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment, thanking stakeholders for their support in developing the policy guidelines. He applauded member organizations for their dedication and recognized awardees for their exemplary practices in promoting gender inclusivity.
Ms. Faiza Zia, Economic Cooperation & Private Sector Development Advisor at GIZ, emphasized the significance of continued dialogue between employers and policymakers. She highlighted GIZ’s involvement in initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s economic engagement, stressing the need for holistic approaches. During the event, Syed Nazar Ali, Secretary-General of EFP, unveiled the EFP Gender Equality Policy Guidelines, offering comprehensive guidance to organizations committed to creating inclusive workplaces.
The document features key focus areas and best practice recommendations aligned with national and international standards. Nazar also announced the winners of the EFP Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Awards, recognizing 40 companies for their outstanding efforts.
The rigorous evaluation process, overseen by esteemed committee members, resulted in companies securing positions in Diamond, Gold, and Silver categories. The event marked a significant stride towards gender inclusivity and sustainable development in Pakistan, with EFP reaffirming its commitment to advancing the gender equality agenda and fostering collaboration for equitable growth.
