The First Lady Begum Samina Alvi said that Pakistani women are very talented and they have a bright future in the country. She said that the government has taken a lot of legislative and policy measures for the empowerment of women and urged that the elite class of women should play a role to create better awareness in other women about such measures so that they could take benefit from them. She said this while addressing as Chief Guest at the International Women’s Day at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The women entrepreneurs and a large number of women from various walks of life attended the event.
Begum Samina Alvi said that Kamyab Jawan Program provided an attractive financing scheme for women entrepreneurs and they should take benefit from it for achieving better growth in the business field. She said that SBP Asaan Mobile Account platform provided women an easy option to open bank accounts and increase their financial inclusion. She said that Chambers of Commerce & Industry should play a role for promotion of women entrepreneurs to increase their economic prosperity. She stressed that ramps should be arranged in existing and upcoming buildings for differently abled persons including females to provide them easy access to markets and offices. She said that women's potential should be highlighted at international level for their better exposure.
Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Shakeel Munir, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that women accounted for half of our total population and it was very important to bring them into the mainstream of economy for their economic empowerment and sustainable economic growth of the country. He said that the government should announce special incentives for women including women entrepreneurs in the upcoming budget for their financial inclusion and inclusive growth of economy. He stressed that SBP should conduct awareness programs on electronic media about its financing schemes for women for their benefit. He assured that ICCI would work with market associations to arrange ramps in commercial areas.
Shagufta Jabeen, wife of former Air Vice Marshal Sohail Aman stressed for creating a better ecosystem for women by enhancing their financial inclusion, ensuring friendly workplaces for them, including them in decision making and providing them equal opportunities of education.
Shereen Baloch, Joint Director SBP gave a detailed presentation on the women-focused schemes of the state bank for enhancing their financial inclusion. Jamshaid Akhtar Sheikh, Senior Vice President thanked the First Lady Begum Samina Alvi, guests and participants for their presence in the event. Muhammad Faheem Khan Vice President ICCI, Khalid Iqbal Malik Chairman Founder Group and others were also present at the occasion.