Australian High Commissioner Tim George on Monday highlighted the role of the Commonwealth in promoting women in business. He was addressing a reception hosted by him at his Islamabad residence to highlight the outcomes of the Commonwealth Heads of Governments meeting (CHOGM) in Perth in October 2011.
Australia assumed the role of Commonwealth chair recently at the highly successful CHOGM held in Perth, in which Pakistan delegation was led by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. "As chair of the Commonwealth until 2012, Australia is committed to promoting the role of women in business," George said. "One of the important outcomes of CHOGM was leaders agreeing that steps need to be taken to mainstream gender equality across all Commonwealth work," he added.
George welcomed Freda Miriklis, President International Federation of Business and Professional Women along with Arif Zaman, Adviser South Asia and Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) on their visit to Pakistan. He said that their participation was instrumental in reforming the Commonwealth Women's Business Network (CWBN) in Perth. Miriklis's visited Pakistan as a first step to reinvigorate the CWBN.
A report submitted to CHOGM leaders by the CBC showed that women own up to 39 percent of private businesses in the formal economy, but have not penetrated the global supply chain, are underrepresented on boards, and lack access to finance. As Commonwealth Chair, the High Commissioner said that Australia was eager to work with the Commonwealth Women's Business Network (CWBN) to strengthen the participation of women in senior roles.
He expressed the hope that Ms Miriklis's visit would help identify opportunities for Commonwealth countries, such as Australia, to do business with firms managed by Pakistani women. He highlighted the Australia's aid programme in Pakistan particularly the project aimed at educating and empowering women in the country. Speaking on behalf of the CBC, Arif Zaman welcomed the Australian High Commission's support. He stated that it was important to build on the momentum created by the success of the CBF in Perth to support business opportunities here in Pakistan and beyond.