1. This International Women’s Day, I pledge…
To claim and take the space I need for myself. To thrive and not just survive.

2. Across the organizational landscape, I want to see more female representation…
As suppliers and partners to an organization. Inducting more women-led businesses into the supply chain gives us the opportunity to enable and support female entrepreneurship, thereby making them more empowered and active participants in Pakistan’s economy.

3. The one stereotype about women that should be busted this year is…
‘Emotions put women at a disadvantage in corporate settings and leadership positions’ is one myth that needs to be discarded. Women are more connected with their emotions and that enables them to be more empathetic leaders and supportive colleagues. They have the ability to inspire empathy as a common practice in day-to-day interactions which leads to a more conducive workplace culture.

“Jazz is promoting gender equality and women empowerment by being gender-inclusive. At Jazz, gender inclusion is driven as a primary strategic pillar for the organization.”

4. My organization is promoting gender equality and women empowerment by…
Being gender inclusive. At Jazz, gender inclusion is driven as a primary strategic pillar for the organization. 33% of our leadership team comprises female leaders and that makes Jazz one of the few organizations in Pakistan to have female representation at the top. In addition, we work tirelessly to support the lives and livelihood of women across Pakistan through our culture, products, and sustainability agenda.

5. I believe women can fight gender inequality at their workplaces by…
Seeing value in our diverse opinions and voicing them without hesitation. Not each input will be accepted and that is ok. By doing so, we inspire others around us to break biases and make space for diversity of thought.

6. As for men, they can help reduce gender bias at home and work…
A lot of men in our circles continue to emerge as allies and hold space for our individuality. There will be resistance as is the case with anything else in life. However, men can challenge resistance in their circles and advocate for the need for thought and economic independence of their female counterparts in the life and work settings. It is pivotal to not see an independent woman as a threat.

7. My message to young aspiring women looking to start a career in 2022 is…
The landscape has changed and the corporate world is more accepting and enabling of the difference you bring. Do not be apologetic and own your individuality.