Gender Equality is fundamental human right: EFP

KARACHI: Majyd Aziz, Former President, Employers’ Federation of Pakistan(EFP), has said that Gender Equality is a fundamental human right and essential for promoting equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic development. He pointed out that in Pakistan, women’s participation and contribution to economic development is far less when compared to other regional countries and is mainly due to the lack of access of women to education, training, and economic opportunities. He was chairing the Stakeholders Consultation on Gender Equality at the Workplace organized by Employers’ Federation of Pakistan with the support of ILO.

“Business has a responsibility to create an enabling environment and provide equal opportunities to women in employment to promote Gender Equality in the Workplace. He demanded that the incoming Parliament must support and ratify ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.”

Syed Nazar Ali, Secretary General EFP, while welcoming the participants from companies, NGOs, and professionals, said that Gender Equality is crucial for creating safer and healthier societies and economic prosperity. He informed that the EFP is revising its Gender Equality Policy and aligning it with the new legislations, ILO Conventions, and International Labor Standards. The Policy will provide guidance and encourage member organizations to internalize gender issues into their employment and growth policies to promote Gender Equality in the workplace.

Razi Mujtaba, ILO National Project Coordinator said Gender Equality is at the heart of Decent Work and appreciated the initiative of the EFP to review its Gender Equality Policy in the backdrop of recent international and national changing scenario. He reiterated the support of ILO for EFP in all its relevant initiatives to promote Decent Work in Pakistan.

Sadaf Hatif, Member EFP Board of Directors and Co-Chairperson EFP Sub Committee on Women Empowerment, in her concluding remarks said it is encouraging that there is a growing recognition among the Stakeholders to the imperative need of women empowerment and Gender Equality, and some progress made but more concerted efforts are required at the government and organizational levels.

She added that women empowerment and gender equality are priority agenda of EFP and the revised Gender Equality policy will help in promoting gender inclusion and equality at workplace. She also highlighted areas of focus including awareness and capacity building, leadership and mentoring program, gender sensitization and education program and the implementation of laws related to harassment and discrimination.