LADIESFUND stands for women with economic power and voice: Tara Uzra Dawood

The organisation president was speaking at the 7th luncheon held recently in Karachi at British Deputy High Commission

Dawood Global Foundation recently held the 7th LADIESFUND Sustainability Luncheon at British Deputy High Commission Karachi where corporates and businesses were awarded for their commitment to UNSDG and women businesses trained in aligning with UNSDG, with trainers and speakers from UNIDO and UNDP including Peter Hurst from the UK, Qasar Wasique Ahmad from UNIDO Pakistan, and Rida Amjad Mirza and Hameeda Kaleem from UNDP.

According to a press release, "10 LADIESFUND Women of Inspiration 2023 were also awarded and then mentored the guests. These women included Nargis Rehman, Sharmila Farooqui, Shaniera Akram, Dr. Ishrat Lindblad, Naz Khan, Hena Sadeq, Nighat Misbah, Dr. Mahnaz Shah, Niilofur Farrukh and Frieha Altaf." 

LADIESFUND President Tara Uzra Dawood welcomed guests, saying, "LADIESFUND stands for women with economic power and voice and of course, impact and today we take that a step further strengthening that to sustainability and aligning women businesses and acknowledging corporates who are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and in particular: UNSG Goal 5: Gender Equality."  

She further added, "It has been forecasted that Pakistan will be one of the worst-affected countries due to climate change. We as a nation have been receptive to the UNSD Goals and have achieved several global expectations, with the support of our female population, which is nearly 50 percent!"

British Deputy High Commissioner Sarah Mooney then welcomed guests and spoke about how when she was a young girl, she was expected in school to learn how to iron a man's shirt and she protected. She changed her school requirements and went on to be a incredible leader in her own right.  "I wish you all a great afternoon and look forward to welcoming you all next year," she said. This was the 7th January lunch of LADIESFUND's at the BDHC.

Hurst, UNIDO Global expert and British Citizen, who arrived on the redeye, then gave a keynote speech, "Excited to speak at this very exciting LADIESFUND programme connecting to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Women empowerment and women equity we are very focused on in the Sindh province."  Along with Ahmad, Hust then went on to meet with, train and mentor various women SMEs at this event.

UNDP gender experts Rida and Hameeda then proceeded to do a training on UNSDG. They also mentored women professional and entrepreneur tables.

LADIESFUND UNSDG Specialist trainer Xenab F. Ansari took the attendees through the 17 goals as well as a detailed step-by-step plan of action.  Her entire two day training was abridged for this lunch purposes but gave an overall flavour.

Closing Remarks were by British Deputy Head of Mission Martin Dawson for whom this was his third LADIESFUND event. Nabila Bano did an outstanding rendition of both the Pakistan and British National Anthems at the start of the event and Ambreen Ali was the Compere.

In the audience, there were 210 guests including Huma Khalid from IFC and Hira Wajahat Khan from Stimulus consultancy for the World Bank. Other awardees included Mobitising, Bombay Light House, Roots Millenium School, The Edvisory,  Krel, HBL Asset Management, EY, Bombay Light House, Sam International and Womenpreneur.

As per a press release, the funds generated from this event will be utilised towards the charitable efforts of DGF for women advancement with intended focus Educate a Girl trainings.

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