SSGC celebrates Int’l Women’s Day by resolving to break every bias. Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson SSGC has reiterated that the Company is focused towards building an inclusive culture by providing increasing opportunities for women to prove themselves and grow and develop their career.
The Chairperson said this during a symposium, convened to celebrate the ‘International Women’s Day’ organized by the Company’s Corporate Communication Department at the Head Office auditorium. Along with the Chairperson, the event featured distinguished female speakers from diverse walks of life. These speakers included Dr. Huma Baqai, Associate Professor, IBA Karachi, Aliya Sarim Burney, Vice Chairperson, Sarim Burney Trust International, Dr. Ayesha Abbas, consultant nutritionist, Tara Uzra Dawood, President, LADIESFUND and Fiza Farhan, global strategic development advisor.
Imran Maniar, MD, SSGC reiterated that Company management believes in gender equality and in giving equal opportunities for women to progress. The management is also taking steps to modify the gender mix in the workplace, he said. We have a zero tolerance against harassment and ensure that anyone who indulges in it does not go scot free, the MD stressed.
The guest speakers reiterated on this year’s International Women’s Day theme of #BreaktheBias and said that the struggle to create a gender equal world, free of biases, stereotypes and discrimination must continue with added vigor in communities, workplaces and educational institutions.
On the occasion, female executives from SSGC’s HR Department briefly dilated on the issue of diversity and inclusion in SSGC. They said that the Company policy is now more attune towards encouraging female candidates to apply for suitable positions in different departments.
The event was interspersed with a video collage of some of Pakistan’s accomplished women from different walks of life. During the show, a video tribute was given to former President of Sui Southern Gas Women Association late Ms. Asma Butt who bravely fought a tough battle against cancer for several years before losing it in April 2020. The video brought tears to the eyes of many of Ms. Asma’s colleagues as it eulogized her for dauntingly standing up to every challenge during her brief yet eventful life.
A media wall was also set up in which the guests and the audience penned down their thoughts on International Women’s Day. On the days leading upto March 8th, the Company’s digital media team created and uploaded special posts on its social media platforms that featured both its female and male employees expounding on the role of women in the workplace. At the conclusion of the symposium, Head of corporate Communications Salman A. Siddiqui presented mementoes, flower bouquets and corporate gifts to the learned speakers, acknowledging their presence and worthy address to the august gathering mainly comprised of SSGCs female executives.
