Islamabad, 5 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): UN Women Pakistan has honoured 17 businesses and leaders for their contributions to gender equality and women’s empowerment at the 2026 Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards, marking the first national ceremony of its kind in Pakistan. The awards, organised in partnership with Derien and Soorty, with Geo News as media partner, recognised achievements across seven categories from 52 applications received from businesses nationwide, including major corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises. Speaking at the ceremony, UN Women Pakistan Country Representative Jamshed M. Kazi said that business success should be measured not only by commercial achievements but also by the positive impact companies have on people’s lives and opportunities. He emphasised that enabling women to lead, work with dignity, access markets fairly and participate in decision-making can help transform the economy, urging businesses to turn their commitments to gender equality into practical action. Chief Guest and Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said women’s economic participation was essential for Pakistan’s social and economic development, adding that governments, businesses and development partners must work together to promote equal opportunities, inclusive workplaces and women’s leadership. Keynote speaker and South Air Chief Executive Officer Nishat Fatima highlighted the role of businesses in providing women with equal opportunities to contribute, grow and lead, noting that women’s empowerment strengthens organisations, encourages innovation and supports a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan. The awards recognised organisations introducing gender-inclusive workplace policies, incorporating gender perspectives into products and services, promoting inclusive procurement and building partnerships to support women’s economic empowerment. They also highlighted the contribution of technology and artificial intelligence to gender equality, alongside the efforts of small and medium-sized enterprises. In the Leadership Commitment category, Dr Muhammad Suleman of SAFCO Microfinance Company received first runner-up recognition, while Zunaira Omar Saqib of The Square Peg was named second runner-up. Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited won the Gender-Inclusive Workplace category, followed by Abacus and Artistic Milliners as first and second runners-up, respectively. Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company secured the Gender-Responsive Marketplace award, while Walee Financial Services and The Bank of Punjab received runner-up positions. JAZZWorld – PMCL was recognised in the Inclusive Procurement category, championed by WE RISE Together. Mobilink Bank won the Community Engagement and Partnerships category, with Engro Fertilizers and EFU Life Assurance named first and second runners-up. HBL received the award for Technology and AI for Gender Equality, while Bioniks was the first runner-up. In the SME Champions category, Davaam Life emerged as the winner, followed by Fruit of Sustainability. The national award recipients will be considered for the regional 2026 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards, subject to eligibility requirements and confirmation of final arrangements. The regional ceremony is scheduled for December 1, 2026, and will be broadcast through the UN Women Asia-Pacific YouTube channel. UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls by advancing their rights and transforming laws, institutions, social norms and services.