Islamabad, The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) marked International Women’s Day with a special event celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in the corporate sector and within its ranks. The event highlighted the pivotal role of women in driving societal and economic growth, underscoring SECP’s commitment to enhancing gender diversity and empowerment.

According to Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Ms. Roshaneh Zafar, the founder and Managing Director of KASHF Foundation, was the esteemed chief guest of the ceremony. Ms. Zafar shared her insights on leveraging strengths, the importance of courage and kindness, and the power of supportive networks in enacting positive change. Her speech, enriched with personal experiences of empowering women through KASHF Foundation, ignited discussions on the importance of gender diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

SECP Chairman Akif Saeed took the opportunity to spotlight the Commission’s efforts towards gender mainstreaming and boosting female representation across all levels within the organization and among regulated entities. He shared remarkable progress, noting that 92% of listed companies now include women directors on their boards, a significant increase from 31% in 2017. Additionally, the recruitment of women at SECP has seen a substantial rise, with women constituting 36% of new hires, 25% of the management cadre, and 24% of senior management.

Chairman Saeed reiterated SECP’s dedication to advancing gender equality, emphasizing that such measures are integral to fostering a more inclusive and prosperous corporate landscape in Pakistan. The event not only celebrated the contributions of women to SECP and the broader economic sphere but also set a forward-looking tone for ongoing efforts to achieve gender parity.