UN Women Pakistan Honours 17 Organisations and Leaders at Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards 2026

UN Women Pakistan has honoured 17 organisations and individuals for their contributions to gender equality and women’s empowerment at the Pakistan Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards 2026.

The biennial awards recognise businesses and leaders that promote gender equality through their corporate systems, institutional policies and practical initiatives.

This year, the awards covered seven categories. Organisers selected winners and runners-up from 52 applications received from across Pakistan. The applicants included large corporations as well as small and medium-sized enterprises.

UN Women Pakistan organised the awards in collaboration with Daraz and Sorty. The initiative aims to recognise organisations that promote inclusive leadership, gender-responsive business practices and greater economic opportunities for women.

UN Women Calls for Practical Action on Gender Equality

Addressing the ceremony, UN Women Pakistan Country Representative Jamshed M. Kazi said business success should not depend solely on what an organisation produces. It should also reflect the lives it improves and the opportunities it creates for others.

He said businesses contribute to economic transformation when women can lead without barriers, work with dignity, access markets on equal terms and participate in decisions affecting their lives.

Kazi described the Pakistan WEPs Awards as recognition of organisations turning these principles into practical action.

He also urged the business community to move beyond written commitments and introduce meaningful changes that women can experience in their daily lives.

Nasir Hussain Shah Highlights Women’s Economic Participation

Sindh Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, the chief guest, said women’s full participation in economic activity was essential for Pakistan’s social and economic development.

He highlighted the importance of equal opportunities, inclusive workplaces and greater representation of women in leadership.

He added that cooperation among the government, businesses and development partners could help create an environment where women participate fully in economic activities and contribute to national progress.

South Air CEO Emphasises Business Responsibility

Keynote speaker Nishat Fatima, Chief Executive Officer of South Air, highlighted the important role businesses play in advancing gender equality.

She said organisations must ensure that women receive equal opportunities to progress, demonstrate their abilities and take on leadership roles.

Fatima added that empowering women was not only the right thing to do but also strengthened organisations, encouraged innovation and supported a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan.

She said the WEPs Awards encouraged businesses to turn their commitment to gender equality into practical results.

Awards Recognise Inclusive Policies and Business Practices

The ceremony recognised business leaders and organisations working to advance gender equality in workplaces and communities.

The awards highlighted initiatives that introduced gender-inclusive policies and integrated equality into products, services and business operations.

They also recognised efforts to promote inclusive procurement, equal opportunities and partnerships that support women’s empowerment.

Zindigi Launches Overseas Accounts, Allowing Pakistanis Abroad to Bank Without a Pakistani SIM

In addition, the programme highlighted the use of technology and artificial intelligence to advance gender equality. It also recognised small and medium-sized businesses taking practical steps towards more inclusive and equitable business practices.

National Winners to Be Considered for Regional Awards

Pakistan’s national award recipients will also be considered for the Asia-Pacific Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards.

National winners from other countries across the region will also participate in the regional programme. However, consideration remains subject to confirmation of regional eligibility criteria and final arrangements.

The regional awards ceremony is scheduled for December 1, 2026. UN Women Asia-Pacific will livestream the event on its YouTube channel.

More Than 190 Pakistani Companies Join Global WEPs Network

The global Women’s Empowerment Principles network includes more than 13,000 companies. Its growing membership reflects increased private-sector interest in gender equality and inclusive business practices.

According to figures provided in the press release, more than 190 Pakistani companies have also joined the network.

Their participation supports equal opportunities, partnerships, innovation and corporate responsibility. Moreover, these commitments contribute to sustainable social and economic development in Pakistan and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Winners and Runners-Up Across Seven Categories

The Pakistan Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards 2026 recognised 17 winners and runners-up across seven categories.

1. Leadership and Commitment

• Winner: Angel Imdad, Arorwadi Go Green Private Limited
• First Runner-Up: Dr Muhammad Suleman, SAFCO Microfinance Company
• Second Runner-Up: Zunaira Umar Saqib, The Square Peg

2. Gender-Responsive Workplace

• Winner: Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited
• First Runner-Up: Abex
• Second Runner-Up: Artistic Milliners Private Limited

3. Gender-Responsive Marketplaces

• Winner: Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company
• First Runner-Up: Wali Financial Services Private Limited
• Second Runner-Up: Bank of Punjab

4. Inclusive Procurement

• Winner: JazzWorld

The category was sponsored by We Rise Together.

5. Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Winner: Mobilink Bank
• First Runner-Up: Engro Fertilizers
• Second Runner-Up: EFU Life Assurance Limited

6. Technology and Artificial Intelligence for Gender Equality

• Winner: HBL
• First Runner-Up: Bioniks

7. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

• Winner: Dawam Life
• First Runner-Up: Fruit of Sustainability

The awards highlighted the growing contribution of businesses and leaders towards gender equality. They also encouraged organisations to translate commitments into practical policies, inclusive opportunities and lasting improvements in women’s economic participation.