ISLAMABAD: National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and UN Women have joined forces to hold a grand event on the culmination of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign.

In a statement, the NCSW said it was set to host a mega event at the Jinnah Convention Centre on December 11 in collaboration with UN Women. The event would mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign.

This year’s theme ‘UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls’, underscored the critical need to advance initiatives, policies and programmes that proactively addressed and prevented violence against women. In alignment with this goal, the event would hold a women’s trade fair, providing a platform for home-based workers and various women entrepreneurs, including those from corporate, small and medium enterprises.

The women’s trade fair served as more than just an exhibition, the NCSW said.

It was a pivotal step toward fostering the economic empowerment of women. By offering a space for networking, display and sales, the event aimed to support and promote diverse creations of women, enabling them to contribute significantly to the economic landscape.

According to the NCSW, the inclusion of a women’s trade fair in this event was a testament to the pivotal role women played in economic development. Economic empowerment of women was not only a matter of equality but a strategic investment in the prosperity of communities and nations. By providing women entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase and sell their products, this event will contribute to breaking down economic barriers and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2023