Corporate boardrooms and small enterprises alike are being urged to measure their true success not merely by what they produce, but by the lives they transform. According to Geo News, UN Women has recognised 17 businesses and leaders for their efforts to advance gender equality at the 2026 Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards in Pakistan.
Geo News reported that the recipients were selected across seven categories from 52 applicants nationwide, encompassing both major corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Organised by UN Women Pakistan in partnership with Derien and Soorty, with Geo News serving as media partner, the 2026 awards celebrated initiatives promoting inclusive leadership, strengthening gender-responsive business practices, and expanding economic opportunities for women across the country, as stated by Geo News.
During the ceremony, Jamshed M Kazi, UN Women Pakistan Country Representative, noted according to Geo News that the true measure of business success involves transforming lives and making futures possible. He emphasised that enabling women to lead without barriers and work with dignity helps redefine the economy itself.
Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, attending as chief guest, stated according to Geo News that women's economic participation is vital to Pakistan's social and economic progress, adding that recognising businesses promoting equal opportunities sends a message that gender equality is a shared responsibility.
Keynote speaker Nishat Fatima, Chief Executive Officer of South Air, highlighted according to Geo News that empowering women strengthens organisations, drives innovation, and contributes to a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan.
Background
According to Geo News, the WEPs Awards ceremony celebrated visionary business leaders and initiatives advancing gender equality in workplaces, marketplaces, and communities. The event recognised organisations pioneering gender-inclusive policies, integrating gender perspectives into products, services, and value chains, strengthening inclusive procurement, and building partnerships supporting women's empowerment. The awards additionally highlighted the role of technology and artificial intelligence in advancing gender equality, alongside recognising SMEs taking meaningful steps towards inclusive business practices.
Why it matters
For ordinary readers and the broader business community in Pakistan, the recognition highlights the practical steps organisations are taking to foster inclusive workplaces and expand economic opportunities. According to the statements reported by Geo News, initiatives that support women's leadership and equal access to markets contribute to wider economic development and shape the future of the nation's business sector.
What's next
According to Geo News, the national winners of the Pakistan WEPs Awards will be considered for the regional 2026 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards, alongside national winners from other countries in the region.