Embassies of Muslim majority countries in collaboration with NCSW organize workshop to promote Women Economic Empowerment at the Indonesia embassy
Special Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The Embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Turkey collaborated with the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) to organize the first hybrid International Workshop session on Muslim Women Pioneers: Leading Economic Growth.
The event was a kick start of a series of discussions to share best practices of women’s breakthrough leadership in socio-economic affairs, politics, and policymaking in the Islamic world.
The opening session was attended by participating embassies, the diplomatic community, Chairperson of the NCSW, Ms. Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Child Rights, Ms. AfshanTehseen, Director-General United Nations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Usman Iqbal Jadoon, andfeaturing theFounder and Managing Director of Kashf Foundation, Ms. Roshanay Zafarand four esteemed panelistswho joined the event virtually from Jordan, Ms. Huda Ayesh, Dr. Lana H. Bin Said of Saudi Arabia,Dr. Suryani S.F. Motikof Indonesia and 2015 Nobel Peace Laureate, Ms. OuidedBouchamaouiof Tunisia.
Ambassador Adam Tugio of Indonesia in his opening remarks underscored the importance of Education and skill development of women to enhance their productivity and betterment of the future generation. Ambassador Borhene El-Kamel of Tunisia further added the importance of the progressive role of womenand their contribution to nation-building and shared to the audience the experience of women empowerment in Tunisia. The Chairperson of NCSW shedthe light of the idea behind the launching of international workshops and suggested making a pool of new talented women entrepreneurs and connecting them with successful global Muslim women entrepreneurs as the next step endeavor to facilitate concrete implementation.
The workshop focused on promoting the economic conditions of Muslim Women. The esteemed panelists underscored that Muslim Women have made an outstanding contribution to society and on some occasions served as outstanding leaders. They shared their struggle to start a business and gain success at a later stage, including Noble PeaceLaureate, Ms. OuidedBouchamaoui from Tunisia.
Chairperson of the National Commission for Child Rights, Ms. AfshanTehseen reminded that “If you support a woman, you support an entire nation.” Ambassador Ibrahim Al Madani of Jordan concluded the event by emphasizing that, “The inclusion of Women’s economic empowerment should be incorporated as a priority in national development plans.”
Pakistani Women Entrepreneurs also participated in the event and displayed vibrant and colorful works such as handicrafts, handmade jewelry, rugs, painting, and many more interesting items. Their work and dedication were encouraged and admired by the audience.
The next event will focus on sharing best practices on the advancement of women’s role in politics in Muslim majority countries followed by the role of Ulema in promoting women empowerment. This series of events will bring together eminent Islamic scholars, researchers, and experts from Muslim majority countries to discuss and share their knowledge, experiences, and best practices in promoting women’s rights as guaranteed by Islam.
