ISLAMABAD, (SUDHIR AHMAD KIYANI) :Samina Fazil, founder president of the Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI), said on Monday that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s tireless efforts have restored the devastated economy.
She said the PM has now started the process of the country’s development with a focus on women’s empowerment, which is praiseworthy.
Samina Fazil said that the prime minister’s efforts to empower women are commendable, as it is imperative for rapid national development.
Addressing a meeting of businesswomen, she said that the Prime Minister has decided to include women associated with cottage industries and small businesses in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector, which is a gift to the women entrepreneurs.
She said that the PM recently emphasized the need for women’s economic empowerment and directed authorities to provide essential capital and facilities to businesswomen as a priority, which is a laudable move.
“The PM has also announced measures to offer low-cost loans to women under the Youth Loan Scheme, enabling them to expand their businesses,” said Samina Fazil.
She said that the PM has ordered the establishment of facilitation centers and training institutes to support women engaged in small-scale businesses and ensure their easy access to these resources.
The PM has announced the formation of a special committee tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for empowering women. The committee will soon present its recommendations to the PM.
Samina Fazil noted that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif believes that women’s empowerment can only be achieved through equal access to education, skill development, and employment opportunities.
The prime minister is also collaborating with provinces to enhance women’s participation in economic programs and has announced the establishment of a Working Women’s Endowment Fund to support women in overcoming challenges.
The PM also wants to facilitate working women by establishing daycare centers in public and private departments across Islamabad and plans to expand these facilities further.
Samina Fazil said that many highly qualified women in the country quit professional careers because they struggle to balance work and family, resulting in a huge loss of skilled human resources.
She said that last year, the ministries and departments were tasked with ensuring women-inclusive policies, which led to increased women’s representation in departmental boards, which was a positive move.
However, she noted that women’s representation in government bodies remains below the targeted 33 percent, stressing the need for greater inclusion in governance and policymaking.
Samina Fazil stated that if the government provides equal opportunities, 50 percent of the female population can become productive workers, which can make Pakistan a developed nation.