“By economically empowering women, not only we promote gender equality but also socio-economic development. Once women are empowered, both the society and economy will transform,” said H. E. Mr. Amjad Hussain B. Sial, Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), addressing the Valedictory Session of the International Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit-2018 in Kathmandu this morning as the Chief Guest.

Organized by the South Asian Women Development Forum, a Recognized Body of SAARC, the Summit brought together women entrepreneurs from 27 countries, and business leaders, experts, and representatives from both the governmental and non-governmental entities.

The three-day Summit, which commenced on 03 September 2018, carried the theme, Equality Begins with Economic Empowerment.

In his Valedictory Address, the Secretary General further said, “We are living in an era when the environment has been socially, culturally, legally and politically supportive of women’s empowerment. As a result, there is a growing realization among the women across the globe of their legitimate rights. Young girls are increasingly exercising their right to education. Single mothers and widows are gradually engaging themselves in home-based income-generating activities to become financially independent.

”

He highlighted the regional instruments adopted by SAARC in empowering women and promoting gender equality, with particular reference to the SAARC Social Charter, and Regional Convention on Combatting the Crime of Trafficking Women and Children for Prostitution. He also referred to the regional mechanisms working in the field of women, namely, the Ministerial Meeting on Women, Technical Committee of Women, Youth and Children.

He added, “In essence, our focus has been on promoting women’s education; protecting their rights; ensuring that they are free from all sorts of discrimination, both at home and in society; promoting their active participation in socio-economic development; and above all, empowering them economically.”

Press release issued by the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, 05 September 2018.