By Adnan Hameed TWA ___ The British High Commission spearheaded a dynamic initiative, bringing together women in the tech, business, and trade sectors to showcase their accomplishments and engage in discussions on shared challenges. This noteworthy event took place at a trade fair in Islamabad on 8th March, where pioneering female entrepreneurs demonstrated their contributions to artificial intelligence, medical technology, and smart applications.

Under the theme "Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress," this year's International Women’s Day celebration resonated with a commitment to recognizing and promoting the pivotal role of women in various industries. Umama Nadir, a standout student from Lahore, was honored as the "Ambassador for the Day" and had the privilege of shadowing the High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, throughout her engagements. High Commissioner Marriott, in her impactful speech, emphasized the strong collaboration between the UK and Pakistan in advancing gender equality. She stated, “The UK and Pakistan are working closely together to further gender equality. It is a priority that runs through all of our work. Economic reform is at the heart of progress in Pakistan, and women are the heart of the economy.” The event underscored the undeniable correlation between empowering women, dismantling barriers, and accelerating overall development. High Commissioner Marriott highlighted, "There is overwhelming evidence that investing in women and girls and breaking down the barriers they face accelerates development, especially when women are helped into the workforce. If women had the same role in labour markets as men, an estimated 26%, or $28 trillion, could be added to global GDP." This trade fair not only celebrated women’s achievements but also served as a platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and progress in the fields of technology, business, and trade. The British High Commission remains committed to championing initiatives that propel gender equality and economic reform.