Countrywide development tied to women empowerment: FPCCI

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Sunday called for taking necessary steps to ensure full participation of women in all spheres of national life. Women comprise more than 50-per cent of Pakistan's total population but they are not getting due attention of the policymakers resulting in systemic gender subordination, said Masooma Sibtain, Vice President FPCCI, while speaking at a workshop regarding participation of women in economic activities.
Masooma Sibtain said that there have been attempts by the government and enlightened groups to improve status of women in society but the current situation is far from satisfactory. She said that women empowerment is need of the hour, she said, adding, creation of a society where women can take independent decisions for their development and welfare of society, is imperative. The government is taking significant steps to empower women, which is a prerequisite for the national development but a lot is to be done, she added. FPCCI will fully support all women empowerment initiatives to express our commitment to strengthen the women, she said, adding "Business and expos are good tools to empower women." She said the government as well as business community should support women entrepreneurs, strive to end gender discrimination and mobilise the collective strength of women to turn fate of this country around. She said that FPCCI wants active participation of the private sector to boost capacity of the women to ensure good future for our next generations.