SPARC, in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning, and Bedari, hosted an international seminar under the Empowering Women and Girls (EWG) initiative on February 26-27, 2025, in Islamabad. The event brought together policymakers, social entrepreneurs, and representatives of partner NGOs from Malawi, Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to discuss strategies for advancing women’s empowerment through leadership, education, vocational training, and financial inclusion.
The seminar featured distinguished speakers, including Ms. Sasha Oliveira Second Secretary, High Commission of Canada to Pakistan, Dr. Fouzia Saeed a renowned social scientist, Ms. Fajer Pasha a leading social entrepreneur, Dr. Fozia Kanwal master trainer on empowerment, Dr. Javeed Ahmed Malik, education expert, and Ms. Frances Ferreira COL’s Senior Adviser for Women & Girls. Discussions revolved around key themes such as policy reforms, entrepreneurial innovation, leadership, and sustainable development, with speakers emphasizing the need for strong policies, economic inclusion, and skill-based education to foster long-term gender equality.
The seminar highlighted success stories and experiences from the EWG initiative, where participants shared insights into the impact of vocational training, financial empowerment, and education programs in their respective countries. Panel discussions explored strategies to scale up women-led enterprises, enhance leadership roles, and promote gender-sensitive policymaking. Delegates also engaged in advocacy and networking sessions to strengthen cross-border collaborations and develop action plans for future interventions.
As the seminar concluded, speakers reinforced the need for sustained efforts to challenge discriminatory norms, enhance self-sufficiency, and create inclusive opportunities for women and girls. With 46,156 women trained in vocational skills, 12,734 gaining financial access, and 7,213 acquiring agricultural expertise, the EWG initiative continues to drive meaningful change, ensuring a more equitable future for women globally.
