Islamabad Margalla College F-7/4 hosted an enlightening awareness programme on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, organised by the International Governance and Sustainability Institute (IG-SI).
The event saw enthusiastic participation from numerous young female students, demonstrating keen interest and engagement with the critical subject matter.
Dr Sultan Azam Temuri, the Founding Director and CEO of IG-SI, delivered an insightful address. He highlighted that women constitute 49.6% of Pakistan’s population, yet the country ranks 142nd out of 146 in the Global Gender Gap Index 2023 by the World Economic Forum.
This discrepancy underscores significant challenges, particularly the lack of quality education and skill development among the youth, who make up 64% of the population, known as the youth bulge.
Dr Temuri emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, affirmed by a unanimous National Assembly Resolution in 2016.
He urged a concentrated effort on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG-5), which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. He stressed the importance of bridging the gender gap through enhanced education and increased economic participation.
In his discourse, Dr Temuri shared both national and international examples to elucidate effective strategies for gender equality. Notably, he discussed the Gender Strategy of Police, which he has successfully implemented on both national and international levels.
The programme underscored the urgent need to address gender disparities in Pakistan and highlighted the critical role of education and empowerment in achieving a more equitable society.
Helena Iqbal Saeed, former UN Police Commissioner and Inspector General of Police, shared her experiences and advised the young students to focus on their studies and maintain simplicity. She emphasised the importance of education and skill development.
Esin Gulsen, a former Turkish Police officer and UN Peacekeeper, gave a virtual message to the students. She inspired students with her own life story. She explained that by empowering women, Pakistan can be empowered.
Ayesha Kiani, Principal of Margalla College F-7/4, thanked the guest speakers and concluded the programme.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2024.
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