Prominent church leaders, lawmakers and civil society figures have called for the economic empowerment of women from religious minorities as a means to address workplace harassment and broader socio-economic marginalisation.
Addressing an event organised by the Youth Development Foundation (YDF), they underscored the role of entrepreneurship in promoting religious freedom, gender equality and minority rights. Participants agreed that strengthening women's financial independence is essential for safeguarding their dignity and fostering a more inclusive society.
Notable attendees included Hungary Helps Programme State Secretary Tristan Azbej, Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu, Church of Pakistan Moderator Bishop Azad Marshall, Presbyterian Church of Pakistan Moderator Dr Majeed Abel and YDF Executive Director Shahid Rehmat. The gathering marked the launch of the 'Minority Women Incubation Programme', a joint initiative by the Punjab Department of Human Rights and Minority Affair, Hungary Helps and YDF.
According to a statement, the program has equipped 300 minority women with entrepreneurship and leadership skills, resulting in the establishment of as many small enterprises that are projected to generate economic activity worth approximately Rs500 million.
"This initiative is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can uplift vulnerable communities and protect the dignity of our minority women," Senator Sandhu said on the occasion.
Bishop Marshall said, "The church stands united in supporting the economic and social empowerment of our women. Faith and action must go hand in hand to build a just society."
Dr Abel added, "Entrepreneurship gives our girls the strength to stand tall in the face of injustice."
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