The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), the country’s leading apex institution for community driven development, hosted a high-level consultative session titled “Accelerating Women’s Rights and Empowerment” on Thursday, February 13, 2025. The session brought together women parliamentarians, government representatives, and key stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment through PPAF’s innovative Poverty Graduation approach. The event was attended by prominent leaders, including Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives; Syeda Amnah Batool, Focal Person for the PM Youth Program; Dr. Shazia Sobia Soomro, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan; Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training; Ms. Sehar Kamran, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan; and representatives from Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and NACTA. During the session, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, praised PPAF’s commitment to poverty alleviation and its efforts to ensure women’s inclusion in the development process. She emphasized the critical role of women’s economic empowerment in achieving gender equality and sustainable development. "Empowering women economically is not just a matter of equality; it's a fundamental pillar for the sustainable development of Pakistan. When women thrive, economies grow, communities strengthen, and nations prosper. We must invest in women’s potential, unlocking opportunities for them in every sector to create a future where progress is built on the strength and resilience of all citizens. Organizations like the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) are playing a pivotal role in uplifting women and communities, and their work is essential in driving the change we need for a more equitable and prosperous Pakistan." Ms. Sehar Kamran, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, emphasized that rural women are the backbone of our communities, and their economic empowerment is essential. Their unwavering dedication sustains families and propels rural economies. By ensuring their access to resources and opportunities, we can unlock their full potential, thereby promoting sustainable growth and achieving genuine equality. Dr. Shazia Sobia Soomro, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan stated Access to finance is a critical factor in women’s empowerment, especially at the grassroots level. When women can access financial resources, they gain the independence to invest in their businesses, improve their communities, and create lasting change. Ensuring that women have equal opportunities to secure funding is essential for building a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, also commended the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) for its impactful work in this area, saying, “I applaud PPAF for their tireless efforts in promoting education for women and girls, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Their programs, which focus on removing barriers to education and providing opportunities for skill development, have been instrumental in empowering countless women and girls. PPAF’s dedication to this cause is a shining example of how targeted interventions can create lasting change and pave the way for a more equitable society.” Representatives from government institutions, including the Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, commended PPAF’s impactful work in poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment. They expressed their appreciation for PPAF’s innovative approaches and reaffirmed their commitment to future collaborations to scale up these initiatives. “At the heart of poverty reduction lies the empowerment of individuals at the grassroots level,” stated Nadir Gul, CEO of PPAF. “Our Poverty Graduation approach is designed to uplift communities by addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality. By equipping women and families with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need, such as education, skills training, and access to entrepreneurship, PPAF is not only transforming lives but also creating a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities. This is how we build a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan, one household at a time.” The consultative session served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, with participants sharing insights and recommendations on how to accelerate women’s rights and empowerment in Pakistan. Key discussions focused on scaling up successful interventions, enhancing inter-ministerial coordination, and leveraging partnerships to create an enabling environment for women’s economic participation. PPAF remains committed to its mission of reducing poverty and inequality through innovative, community driven solutions. By empowering women and girls, PPAF is paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan.
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