Women empowerment key to economic progress: Dr. Nigar Johar
ISLAMABAD: Lieutenant General (Retired) Nigar Johar has stressed the significant role of women in Pakistan’s economic progress during her visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). Speaking with ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, she underlined that women, who constitute half of the population, must be empowered to contribute effectively to the nation’s economic advancement, according to a press release issued.
Dr. Johar remarked that Pakistan cannot afford to overlook the contributions of women who are eager to serve the country. She emphasized that empowering women is essential for the nation’s economic stability and prosperity. She advocated for inclusive economic policies and increased participation of women across all sectors, asserting that their empowerment is key to building a stronger economy.
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The discussion also addressed the importance of fostering strong connections between academia and industry. Dr. Johar highlighted the need for education systems to align with business and industry demands, enabling students to transition from job seekers to job creators. She stated, “Our youth must be equipped to become entrepreneurs, actively contributing to the economy rather than depending on traditional jobs.”
ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi welcomed Dr. Johar’s visit and acknowledged her as an inspiration for women across the country. He outlined ICCI’s ongoing initiatives to empower youth, especially women and rural communities, by promoting industry-academia collaboration and setting up additional facilitation desks for the business sector.
He emphasized the importance of unlocking the potential of Pakistan’s youth, particularly in rural areas, to achieve the nation’s economic objectives. Qureshi also shared that ICCI is collaborating with universities through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to support entrepreneurship and skill development among young people. He proposed that universities modify their curricula so that students spend their final semesters gaining hands-on experience in industries, preparing them for entrepreneurial ventures.
Executive Member Fatima Azeem and Special Advisor to the ICCI President, Naeem Siddiqui, stressed the need to provide skill development training for youth to enable them to succeed in the job market and contribute to national progress. Shumila Siddiqui, another ICCI Executive Member, along with other women entrepreneurs from Islamabad, also attended the meeting, sharing insights on the challenges and opportunities women face in the business sector.
