To mark International Women’s Day 2021, the Commission held a series of events from 8 to 10 March at its head office in Islamabad. The events featured a variety of activities including inspirational speeches by the successful women from different fields of professions, candid discussions between the female employees and the Commission Members, a documentary depicting the contributions of women in CCP, and the compilation of views of female staff members in the form of a booklet. Speakers Underscore Women’s Role in Public & Private Sector The third and final day was marked by the presence and participation of three eminent women in leadership roles, Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, the recipient of Sitara-e-Imtiaz, shared her extensive experience while serving in civil society and the government in the fields of education, politics, healthcare, and women’s development. She spoke about the current change and role of women in politics and what struggle women have faced in reaching where women are today. She emphasized that: “What matters is, the clarity as to what you want and the position you earn will follow you”. Similarly, Ms. Sadia Khan, who was the youngest female Executive Director in SECP where she is currently serving as the first female Commissioner, shared that “perseverance, professionalism, and passion have contributed to leading her where she is today”. She also pointed out that “on the aspect of corporate governance there is a change in awareness, however, boards ought to be encouraged to have more and more female representation.” Lastly, Ms. Maheen Rahman who was awarded a place in Forbes ’40 Under 40 Female Executives 2015 list, being the youngest CEO of an asset management company in Pakistan, shared her own experiences. She emphasized “the need for women to be in policymaking and leadership roles” and also emphasized that women should accept the challenge and not let go of any opportunity that comes their way for fear of failure.” Ms. Rahat Kaunain Hassan, the Chairperson, in her concluding remarks highlighted that “from status quo to change and progress, it lies within our power to opt and choose. Women must exercise their choice and choose to challenge all that is not acceptable”. She added that it is also important to acknowledge, appreciate and express gratitude to all those who help in bringing change and creating an enabling environment. A Candid Session with the Chairperson On 8 March, the Chairperson Ms. Rahat Kaunain Hassan held a candid session with the female officers, who comprise approximately one-third of the Commission’s workforce. In the session, the Chairperson launched an in–house documentary titled, “Achieving an Equal Future” made by the Commission’s Advocacy Department on the role of women in the Commission since its beginning. The documentary encapsulates the contributions of women in all roles including leadership, functional and staff support. Balochistan’s 1st Female AC Shares her Experiences For the session on 9 March, Ms. Batool Asadi, the first female Assistant Commissioner from Balochistan, was invited for a session with the Commission’s female staff. During the session, Ms. Asadi shared her challenging experience of being the first female Assistant Commissioner of Quetta, Balochistan and becoming a beacon of hope for the younger generation. She also shed light on her struggle throughout her career.
To mark International Women’s Day 2021, the Commission held a series of events from 8 to 10 March at its head office in Islamabad. The events featured a variety of activities including inspirational speeches by the successful women from different fields of professions, candid discussions between the female employees and the Commission Members, a documentary depicting the contributions of women in CCP, and the compilation of views of female staff members in the form of a booklet.
The third and final day was marked by the presence and participation of three eminent women in leadership roles,
Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, the recipient of Sitara-e-Imtiaz, shared her extensive experience while serving in civil society and the government in the fields of education, politics, healthcare, and women’s development. She spoke about the current change and role of women in politics and what struggle women have faced in reaching where women are today. She emphasized that: “What matters is, the clarity as to what you want and the position you earn will follow you”.
Similarly, Ms. Sadia Khan, who was the youngest female Executive Director in SECP where she is currently serving as the first female Commissioner, shared that “perseverance, professionalism, and passion have contributed to leading her where she is today”. She also pointed out that “on the aspect of corporate governance there is a change in awareness, however, boards ought to be encouraged to have more and more female representation.”
Lastly, Ms. Maheen Rahman who was awarded a place in Forbes ’40 Under 40 Female Executives 2015 list, being the youngest CEO of an asset management company in Pakistan, shared her own experiences. She emphasized “the need for women to be in policymaking and leadership roles” and also emphasized that women should accept the challenge and not let go of any opportunity that comes their way for fear of failure.”
Ms. Rahat Kaunain Hassan, the Chairperson, in her concluding remarks highlighted that “from status quo to change and progress, it lies within our power to opt and choose. Women must exercise their choice and choose to challenge all that is not acceptable”. She added that it is also important to acknowledge, appreciate and express gratitude to all those who help in bringing change and creating an enabling environment.
On 8 March, the Chairperson Ms. Rahat Kaunain Hassan held a candid session with the female officers, who comprise approximately one-third of the Commission’s workforce. In the session, the Chairperson launched an in–house documentary titled, “Achieving an Equal Future” made by the Commission’s Advocacy Department on the role of women in the Commission since its beginning. The documentary encapsulates the contributions of women in all roles including leadership, functional and staff support.
For the session on 9 March, Ms. Batool Asadi, the first female Assistant Commissioner from Balochistan, was invited for a session with the Commission’s female staff. During the session, Ms. Asadi shared her challenging experience of being the first female Assistant Commissioner of Quetta, Balochistan and becoming a beacon of hope for the younger generation. She also shed light on her struggle throughout her career.
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