KARACHI: UN Women Pakistan honoured 17 recipients across seven categories at the first national Pakistan Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards on Tuesday.
The ceremony recognised businesses and leaders promoting women’s participation in workplaces, markets and economic decision-making.
Fatima Fertiliser Company Limited won the Gender-Inclusive Workplace award, while Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company secured the Gender-Responsive Marketplace category.
JazzWorld–PMCL received the Inclusive Procurement award, and Mobilink Bank won the Community Engagement and Partnerships award.
HBL took the Technology and Artificial Intelligence for Gender Equality award. Davaam Life won the SME Champions category. Angel Imdad of Irverde Gogreen Pvt. Ltd. received the Leadership Commitment award.
Other recipients included Abacus, Artistic Milliners, Walee Financial Services, the Bank of Punjab, Engro Fertilisers, EFU Life Assurance and Bioniks.
The awards also recognised individual leadership and smaller businesses working to expand economic opportunities for women. UN Women Pakistan organised the event with Derien and Soorty, while Geo News served as media partner.
Read: Sindh govt launches Pakistan’s first women-only bus service in Karachi
Speaking at the ceremony, UN Women Pakistan Country Representative Jamshed M. Kazi urged businesses to “move beyond commitments on paper towards change”.
Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, the chief guest, said women’s economic participation was essential to Pakistan’s development.
Read: Women pickers toil unprotected in Pakistan’s cotton fields
He called for cooperation between the government, businesses and development partners to expand equal opportunities. South Air Chief Executive Officer Nishat Fatima said greater participation by women could strengthen organisations and encourage innovation.
National winners will be considered for the regional 2026 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards, subject to eligibility requirements and final arrangements.
UN Women has scheduled the regional ceremony for December 1, with a broadcast planned through its Asia-Pacific YouTube channel.
With additional input from UN Women Pakistan
