Day: March 6, 2024

KARACHI: A roundtable consultative dialogue with women leaders from the corporate and business sectors, both profit and non-profit, was organised in collaboration with the Consulate General of Germany, Karachi and New World Concepts.

A pioneer in leadership development for professional women, New World Concepts led by Yasmin Hyder has been organising Women Leadership & Empowerment initiatives for the corporate and business sectors.

Yasmin stated “the objectives to support women economic empowerment, promote civic engagement and capacity development are what drives this roundtable dialogue in Pakistan.”

Consul General of Germany Dr Rudiger Lotz delivered the presiding address. Dr Lotz underlined the importance of significantly increasing the proportion of women in political life. “This is the only way to take the interests of all people, men and women, into account when making decisions in the political process.”

The session discussed and explored challenges facing women leaders, in seeking a greater participation in public policy making with the aim to encourage and enable positive change in difficult times and empower the next generation of female human capital in Pakistan.

Renate Kunast, Member German Parliament and Chair, Parliamentary Group on South Asia delivered a virtual address welcoming the dialogue and need for greater participation of women in all levels of public policy. She shared examples of Germany and European Union, highlighting role of women leaders from diverse sectors in country’s decision making.

Successful corporate women leaders from different sectors including banking, textiles, health, technology, oil and gas, pharmas, media, education, and non-profits were gathered to share their insights and experiences.

Fauzia Kehar, a banker, shared her thoughts on need for greater representation of women in leadership positions and fostering belief in their potential by empowering them for national level public participation.

Ronak Lakhani, Chairperson, Special Olympics Pakistan, detailed the importance of Inclusion of all and emphasized embracing diversity. She highlighted the path towards building a stronger and more supportive community for women empowerment in Pakistan.

Nazafreen Saigol spoke of the importance of women leaders embracing greater participation in public policy and decision making.

Sabeen Jatoi and Sabina Khatri shared their perspectives on how women leaders’ participation in public life influences socio economic and cultural norms.

Sidra Iqbal, celebrity anchor and Syeda Sarwat Gilani, renowned actress and entrepreneur, added valuable perspectives from the entertainment and entrepreneurial sectors, contributing to a comprehensive exploration of career shifts for women.

Dr Nausheen Wasi, Assistant Professor, Dept of International Relations, University of Karachi and Dr Tanveer Khalid, Honorary Secretary, PIIA presented technical analysis and summation of the consultative session.

The first roundtable dialogue explored the challenges impeding women’s participation in policy making and parliamentary landscape of Pakistan, as an intellectual platform for discourse and insight-sharing. The aim was to highlight the specific barriers hindering women’s active participation and progression, with a particular focus on identifying challenges encountered in choosing a career in public policy and parliament.

Source: Business Recorder

Driving is a liberating and empowering activity for anyone who enjoys it. Imagine cruising down the Margalla Hills of Islamabad, feeling the thrill of the road. But for many Pakistani women, this experience can be cut short by a flat tyre, a dead battery, or the fear of societal judgement.

Despite challenges like societal pressures and limited resources, Pakistani women are determined to exercise their right to drive. As per Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Muntazir Mehdi, Lahore recorded the highest number of female drivers in Pakistan in 2022. This surge signifies the growing empowerment and independence of Pakistani women who are taking the wheel and claiming their right to mobility.

However, the increase in the number of women drivers doesn’t mean they have an easy time on the road. They still face challenges like harassment, vulnerability during breakdowns, and the misconception that car maintenance lies outside their domain. One major obstacle is the lack of basic car maintenance knowledge, leaving women susceptible in unexpected situations. This dependence not only hinders their self-reliance but also reinforces harmful stereotypes portraying them as incapable and in need of constant male support. A common scenario that illustrates this obstacle is being stranded with a flat tyre while navigating Karachi’s bustling streets during rush hour. Changing a tyre requires physical strength and can be daunting, especially for women unfamiliar with the process. In such instances, they might rely on male help, potentially exposing them to harassment or exploitation, particularly in isolated areas.

Therefore, car maintenance is a valuable skill that can empower Pakistani women drivers. By learning basic checks like tyre pressure and different fluid levels, they can prevent breakdowns, save time, and money. Additionally, knowing how to change a tyre or jump-start an engine equips them to handle emergencies efficiently and fosters self-reliance. Furthermore, it liberates them from relying on others for car maintenance and builds self-esteem and independence.

According to a 2024 report by The Nation, the Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO), Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, officially inaugurated Pakistan’s first women’s driving school and test centre at the Police Lines Headquarters in Islamabad. This ground-breaking initiative aims to provide specialized training to women under the guidance of experienced instructors, empowering them with essential driving and car maintenance skills. It’s a significant step towards creating a safe and supportive environment for women to learn and excel in automobile mechanics and driving. Fortunately, online platforms like YouTube are also making car maintenance knowledge accessible and empowering women. Car maintenance empowers Pakistani women to break stereotypes, take charge of their mobility, and claim their rightful place on the road. It also serves as a gateway to the male-dominated automotive industry.

These women inspire all Pakistani women who aspire to enter the automotive industry. They prove that with passion, determination, and education, women can overcome the barriers that limit their participation in the sector. But these women are not alone in their quest for change. They need the support and encouragement of other women who share their vision and ambition. Here’s what you can do to join them:

Encourage other women: Seek guidance from experienced mechanics, and share your car maintenance knowledge with friends and family. This will create a culture of learning and empowerment.

Support female-owned businesses: Patronize female-owned vehicle repair shops and businesses, increasing their opportunities and visibility.

Advocate for Change: Stand against gender discrimination and support diversity and inclusion initiatives in the automotive industry, fostering a more balanced workplace for women in the field.

Shifting gears for change is not just metaphorical; it’s a practical action Pakistani women can take to improve their lives and society. By embracing car maintenance and driving skills, they can overcome challenges, defy stereotypes, and create opportunities for a more diverse and inclusive automotive industry. Pakistani women, let’s embrace this change and drive towards a brighter future.

Source: The Nation