Economy can’t grow without exploiting women potential: PIAF

LAHORE, MAR 9 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) Chairman Fahimur Rehman Saigol, while addressing a meeting organized to celebrate the International Women’s Day, said that PIAF fully encourages and supports women in every sector.

The ceremony was organized to pay tribute to women from industry, trade and other sectors of life. He said that PIAF is acknowledging and honoring the services of women entrepreneurs who are showing outstanding performance in their respective fields.

PIAF senior vice chairman Nasrullah Mughal said our aim is to present the eminent women who are known and recognized as high achievers so that our new generation can follow their footsteps. He said that PIAF would continue to promote such activities to encourage women entrepreneurs.

PIAF vice chairman Tahir Manzoor Chaudhary said that the economy cannot grow until women don’t utilize their potential for economic development of the country. This is possible only if they are empowered. He said that Pakistan has a specific culture in which women face many challenges. Working women have to look after their home, children and business at the same time, which is not easy at all.

The PIAF chairman said that empowering women is pivotal for economic development. Women constitute a significant portion of the global workforce, and their contribution is essential for a thriving economy.

Faheem Saigol said that striking figures show that women could drive billions of growth to the economy every year, as the government sets out plans to work with business to support women in the workplace.

The analysis shows that women’s equality and economic growth go hand in hand, with the economy growing by up every year by a 5% increase in employment among women.

Since 2000, women’s economic inclusion has accounted for 7pc of economic growth. Through our Plan for Change, the government will go faster and further to put more money directly into women’s pockets. Since the election, the government has ramped up action to tackle the gender pay gap by: Introducing better protections for pregnant women and those returning from maternity leave at work and supporting women going through menopause with simple changes at work.

The government is also opening up access to childcare with further expansions of free hours and wraparound care so all families can benefit from these changes.

These measures have the power to not only increase the number of women in the workforce, but to increase productivity and innovation. This International Women’s Day, experts said this International Women’s Day, they want every woman and girl to know that this is a government of change. They are determined to make sure every young woman, no matter her income, class, or background, has the best start in life and opportunity to succeed.

Women should not be held back at work by the caring responsibilities that disproportionately affect them or insecurity after pregnancy or maternity. That’s why we’re tackling the gender pay gap with better protections at work and more free childcare, to get more money in women’s pockets and drive up household income. We should know that employers understand that when women succeed, so does business. That is why this government will work hand in hand with employers everywhere to harness the talent, creativity and brilliance of women in their workforce. Working collaboratively to support women will allow businesses to access untapped potential which can have profound knock on effects on the economy.

To facilitate working women, experts highlighted the establishment of daycare centres in public and private departments across Islamabad, with plans to expand these facilities further. They regretted that a large number of highly qualified women in the country quit professional careers in their struggle to balance work and families, resulting in a huge loss of skilled human resources.