The First Women Economic Empowerment Expo 2023 and Symposium was organised at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur to enhance women’s social and economic status. The symposium was opened by Vice Chancellor of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur Engr Prof Dr Athar Mahboob.  In his opening remarks, he stated that the Islamia University works to promote the social and economic advancement of the general populace. The labour in Pakistan is the country’s true resource, and upskilling and training them will be a crucial step towards value creation, he continued.

Poverty eradication, involvement in decision-making, financial support for sustainable development, and other initiatives for women's economic independence are crucial for gender equality, according to Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr Rubinathe. Additional Secretary of Higher Education, South Punjab, Malik Ata-ul-Haq said women's social freedom will contribute to the eradication of gender discrimination in society.

According to Vice Chancellor of Emerson University Multan Prof Dr Muhammad Ramzan, women’s active and practical participation in society is unavoidable and essential for economic progress. Chairman of the Department of Economics Dr Abid Rasheed Gill said economic discrimination based on gender should be removed in Pakistani culture, and everyone should be given equal opportunity to flourish. He said that more than 75 million women currently participate in social activities.

Focal Person Dr Maryam Abbas Soharwardi said this event was designed in accordance with the university leadership's goal to emphasise the advancement of women and their social and economic responsibilities. She referred to the economic rights of women as human rights. Dean of Faculty of Chemical and Biological Sciences Prof Dr Shazia Anjum also spoke during the concluding session and praised the way the Women Economic Empowerment Expo and Symposium had been put together. For women entrepreneurs and industrialists in small and medium-sized firms across a variety of industries, a sizable exposition and a poster contest was also held. The entrepreneurs displayed goods and crafts made at home.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk