ISLAMABAD: The Hashoo Group marked the International Women’s Day by organizing a ceremony to acknowledge the commitment of women. This impressive event was held at the elegant Kohinoor Hall of the Islamabad Marriott Hotel. The chief guest on the occasion was Ms. Marvi Memon, Chairperson, Benazir Income Support Programme. During her speech, she lauded the efforts of the Hashoo Group for attaching immense importance to this special day. Ms. Marvi also commended the contribution of women towards the society and the country. She said “Women succeed because of their will power, persistence and consistency. It is our collective responsibility to help the weaker women so that they may overcome the difficulties in their lives. BISP’s initiative “Sisters in Success” bring women role models in front of its beneficiaries so that they may motivate and impart confidence to beneficiaries resulting in success transfer”.
The President of the Hashoo Hotels, Mr. Nicolas Frangos, while speaking on the occasion highlighted the importance of women. He said “when you educate a son, you educate an individual but when educate a daughter, you educate the whole generation-the whole community prospers”. Mr. Nicolas brought to the fore and admired the positive contribution of women towards the Hashoo Group. He said “ it is this diversity that has made us who we are. We take pride at the fact the Hashoo Group is one of the Organizations in Pakistan that has key positions filled by women and are taking important decisions, a prime example of true leadership”. He further said “this of course is possible when making the environment friendly and as well as welcoming to gender diversity. Presently, we are at 6% female presence with a target of 8% by the year 2019, which will be further increase to 15% by 2022. We also take the responsibility in contributing to the females of our society. Hashoo Foundation has been involved in multiple initiatives and projects. We still have a long way to go with an aim to increasing gender diversity at our organization as well as projects for the society”.
The session was attended by female employees of the Hashoo Group, and women from other walks of life. The Group provided an opportunity to the participants to learn and get inspiration in order to be successful in all realms of life. The participants showed keen interest, shared their opinions, and interacted with the panel. The panel for the International Women’s Day comprised MNA, Shaista Malik (PML N), Khawar Mumtaz Chairperson National Commission of State of Women, Dr. Fauzia Saeed, Executive Director Lok Virsa, Rukhshanda Naz, Legal Consultant, Tanzeela Khan, Social Activist, Misbah Khalid Director and drama artist, Amna Mufti, writer, Nigar Nazar, Cartoonist, Maham Ali, Consultant PEMRA, Nargis Nasir, Director PEMRA, Muneeza Hashmi, Trustee Faiz Foundation.
Ayesha Khan, Country Director, Hashoo Foundation in her concluding remarks, shared with the audience the vision and plans of the Chairman, Hashoo Group, Mr. Sadruddin Hashwani, and the Deputy Chairman, Mr. Murtaza Hashwani towards philanthropic projects throughout Pakistan.
