UN Women Pakistan honours 17 award recipients for advancing gender equality

The UN Women Pakistan has announced the 2026 Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards, recognizing 17 exceptional individuals and organizations for their groundbreaking work in advancing gender equality across Pakistan. Organized by UN Women Pakistan in partnership with Derien and Soorty, and media partner GEO, the awards span seven categories, acknowledging businesses and leaders who are making a tangible impact through inclusive leadership, gender-responsive business practices, and economic opportunities for women.

Speaking at the ceremony, UN Women Country Representative Jamshed M Kazi emphasized that true business success lies in the lives transformed and futures shaped, particularly when women lead without barriers and work with dignity. The Chief Guest, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, highlighted the importance of women’s economic participation in Pakistan’s progress and the shared responsibility of government, businesses, and development partners in creating an enabling environment for women’s full participation.

Keynote speaker Nishat Fatima, CEO of South Air, underscored that empowering women not only fulfills moral obligations but also strengthens organizations, drives innovation, and contributes to a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan. The ceremony celebrated visionary business leaders and initiatives that have integrated gender perspectives into their operations, strengthened inclusive procurement, and leveraged technology to advance gender equality.

The national winners will be considered for the regional 2026 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards, marking a significant step towards a more equitable future.

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