Recently, a group of delegates participated in a ten-day study visit under the Commonwealth of Learning’s (COL) Empowering Women and Girls (EWG) Project that convened in Islamabad, Pakistan. The event, organised by COL in collaboration with its Pakistan-based partners, Bedari and SPARC, brought together diverse voices to share insights and strategies under the theme: Empowering Women and Girls, Championing Change for a Sustainable Future.
Ms Sasha Oliveira, representing Canada’s High Commission in Pakistan, thanked the organisers for their commitment to this vital cause. “I am thrilled to see a strong and comprehensive focus on empowering women and girls to lead dignified lives, free from discrimination and segregation.” She also commended the EWG project’s holistic approach, involving men and boys in fostering gender equality while stressing the importance of collaboration among NGOs working in similar domains to ensure efficient use of resources, broaden outreach, and expedite meaningful change. She concluded the speech by sharing ten actionable strategies to dismantle harmful social norms and promote women’s rights.
Ms Frances Ferreira, Senior Adviser: Women and Girls COL, provided an overview of the EWG Project. She outlined its key objectives, including enhancing the lives of rural women, promoting sustainable development, and fostering economic growth. “Our aim is to create a future where women and girls thrive in an environment free from discrimination, inequality, and barriers to success,” she stated.
Dr Fouzia Saeed – a renowned social scientist who has worked for decades on women’s issues in Pakistan, especially those linked to violence against women – addressed the audience with personal anecdotes and case studies from her extensive career advocating for women’s rights, including stories of resilience, challenges, and triumphs – both within Pakistan and during her international assignments. Her accounts were a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle and the urgent need for transformative change.
The study tour provided a platform for delegates to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and reinforce their commitment to addressing the pressing issues women and girls face. With funding from Global Affairs Canada through COL, the project symbolises a shared vision of gender equality and sustainable development.
