The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI) held its 6th Women Empowerment Awards ceremony, honoring companies for their outstanding contributions to gender equality and women’s empowerment. OICCI Vice President RehanShaikh highlighted the economic imperative of empowering women, emphasizing the transformative impact of investing in women’s education, healthcare, and economic opportunities on driving societal development. Procter & Gamble Pakistan emerged as the Champions, with Nestle Pakistan and Unilever Pakistan securing the first and second runners-up positions, respectively. The awards, adjudicated by an independent jury, recognized excellence and innovation in promoting gender equality within organizations.
The ceremony also celebrated individual leadership, with Shazia Syed of Unilever receiving the Iconic Corporate Women Leaders Award for her outstanding contributions to corporate leadership. A significant aspect of the event was the launch of the ‘Increasing Women’s Inclusion in the Pakistani Economy’ handbook, a collaborative effort between OICCI and Circle Women. The handbook provides comprehensive insights into key themes of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, offering actionable recommendations for fostering inclusivity and supporting work-life balance. Andrew Bailey, a member of the OICCI Managing Committee, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusive economic growth, stressing the importance of implementing the handbook’s recommendations. M Abdul Aleem, CE and the Secretary General of OICCI, highlighted the organization’s flagship initiative, ‘OICCI Women’, aimed at enhancing women’s inclusion in the economy. Dr. ShamshadAkhtar, former caretaker finance minister, graced the ceremony as the chief guest, underscoring the importance of advancing gender equality in Pakistan’s corporate landscape.
The event also recognized special category awardees, including Pepsi Co, Total PARCO Pakistan Limited, Engro Corp, Shell Pakistan Limited, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Ltd., Jazz, and Chevron Pakistan Lubricants Private Limited, for their exemplary efforts in promoting women’s empowerment. As Pakistan strives for gender equality and economic inclusivity, initiatives like the OICCI Women Empowerment Awards serve as catalysts for progress, inspiring collective action towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
