Chairman Senate underscores women’s economic empowerment, skills development for growth
Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, while addressing as the Chief Guest at the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, urged the Muslim world to move beyond declarations and translate commitments into concrete actions for the economic empowerment of women, describing it as both an Islamic obligation and an indispensable prerequisite for sustainable development.
Welcoming ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and delegates from member states to Pakistan, the Chairman Senate said that Islam had established the principles of justice, dignity and equal opportunity for women more than fourteen centuries ago by guaranteeing their rights to education, property, inheritance, economic participation and social respect. He said the teachings of the Holy Quran and the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) continue to provide a timeless framework for ensuring women’s dignity and meaningful participation in society.
Addressing the conference held under the theme “Women’s Economic Empowermentcfor Sustainable Development,” Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of Muslim women in education, governance, business, science, diplomacy and public service. He also paid glowing tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, describing her as the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world whose vision of women’s empowerment continues to inspire generations across the Islamic world.
The Chairman Senate emphasized that women constitute nearly half of the population of OIC member states and that no nation can achieve inclusive growth while excluding half of its human capital from economic and political participation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, financial access and employment opportunities.
Highlighting Pakistan’s achievements, he said the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Waseela-e-Taleem initiative have transformed the lives of millions of women by strengthening their economic security and improving girls’ education.
He also highlighted initiatives promoting women-led enterprises, access to finance, digital skills and e-commerce, enabling Pakistani women to emerge as successful entrepreneurs and contributors to national economic growth.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani underscored the importance of increasing women’s participation in public life and decision-making, noting that women today are serving Pakistan with distinction as parliamentarians, judges, diplomats, civil servants, entrepreneurs, journalists and academics.
The Chairman Senate stressed that economic empowerment cannot flourish without ensuring women’s safety and protection. He highlighted Pakistan’s strengthened legal and institutional framework, including legislation against workplace harassment, domestic violence and harmful traditional practices, alongside the establishment of women protection centres, helplines and gender-responsive support mechanisms.
