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. Recipients were selected across seven categories from 52 applicants nationwide, including major corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The 2026 Pakistan WEPs Awards were organised by UN Women Pakistan in partnership with Derien and Soorty. The awards celebrate initiatives that promote inclusive leadership, strengthen gender-responsive business practices and expand economic opportunities for women across Pakistan.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jamshed M. Kazi, UN Women Pakistan Country Representative, said: "The true measure of business success is not only what companies produce, but whose lives they transform.
When women can lead without barriers, work with dignity, and shape the decisions that affect their lives, businesses do more than advance gender equality - they help redefine the economy itself." The chief guest, Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, stated: "Women's economic participation is vital to Pakistan's progress.
Recognising businesses that promote equal opportunities sends an important message that gender equality is a shared responsibility." Keynote speaker Nishat Fatima, CEO of South Air, highlighted: "Empowering women is not only the right thing to do, but it also strengthens organisations, drives innovation and contributes to a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan."
The ceremony celebrated visionary leaders pioneering gender-inclusive policies and integrating gender perspectives into their value chains. The awards also highlighted the role of technology and artificial intelligence in advancing gender equality.
National winners will be considered for the regional 2026 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards, scheduled for December 1, 2026. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the private sector's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By fostering environments where women can thrive, these organisations are setting a benchmark for corporate excellence in the region. The event concluded with a call to action for other industry leaders to adopt similar frameworks, ensuring that the momentum for gender parity continues to grow across all sectors of the Pakistani economy.