Digital Growth Alliance (DGA), in collaboration with the International School of Law and Business (ISLB), recently organized a roundtable discussion to address the challenges and opportunities for working women in Pakistan. The event brought together prominent women from various sectors to exchange ideas and propose solutions aimed at fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment for women.
The discussion revolved around several key issues faced by women in professional settings, but one particular recommendation gained unanimous support from all attendees—the urgent need to establish daycare centers in industrial zones, universities, and corporate workplaces. Participants emphasized that providing access to quality childcare services is essential for supporting working mothers, enabling them to balance professional responsibilities with family life.
The founders of DGA, Syed Shahzad Roshan Gillani and Hunain Zaidi, briefed the attendees on the organization’s vision and its commitment to empowering women through digital innovation and policy advocacy. They underscored the importance of creating tangible solutions to workplace challenges rather than merely discussing them, reinforcing the idea that strategic initiatives like workplace daycare facilities could be a game-changer for working women across different industries.
The roundtable participants stressed that the absence of childcare facilities often forces women to either leave their careers or struggle with difficult choices between work and family. Establishing daycare centers within easy reach of workplaces would not only ease this burden but also contribute to increased female participation in the workforce, ultimately driving economic growth and social progress. The attendees urged relevant government authorities, private sector leaders, and policymakers to take immediate action on this matter to ensure working women have the support they need.
The event saw the participation of several distinguished professionals from diverse fields, including entrepreneurs, corporate executives, educators, legal experts, medical professionals, and media personalities. Among the notable attendees were Sana Khan, CEO of Her Health; Dr. Abida Khaliq, Chairperson of ISLB; Fozia Badar, CEO of Granni’s Kitchen; Sadia Vine, an educationist; Anam Zaidi, CEO of Eleen Birth Services; Saima Aftab, Director of Customs and poet; Samina Karim Randhawa, Chairperson of the Arfa Karim Foundation; and Sara Afzal, CEO of Highly Keen.
Other influential women present at the event included Syeda Naila Zia, an educationist and life coach; Maryyam Khan, Vice President of SAWDF; Dr. Sadia Rizwan, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist; Dua Mirza, journalist; Fatima Nasir, pilot and entrepreneur; Barrister Khadija Siddiqi; Ayesha Suleman, Head of What’s Paratha; Syeda Rozi Rizvi; Dr. Sadia Vine; Syeda Asmat Raza, CEO of Global Montessori; Nadia Jaffery, academic consultant; Zaira Yasser, executive presence coach; Sara Azal of Highly Keen; Muneezay Moeen, TV host; Tabinda Islam, CEO of Arfa Karim; Hina Chaudhary of Moorpankh; Dr. Abeera Babur, TV host; Anum Shahbaz, CEO of Yolopret; Dr. Hina Jaffery, HOD at Green International University; Maida Raza Butt from Police Tahafuz Markaz; and Saima Muddasir, Assistant Director at the Shakir Ali Museum.
The event concluded with a strong commitment from the attendees to continue advocating for policies that empower women in the workforce. The call for workplace daycare centers was identified as a primary takeaway from the discussion, highlighting the importance of practical and actionable solutions to workplace barriers faced by women. Moving forward, DGA and ISLB plan to collaborate with government institutions, corporate stakeholders, and advocacy groups to push for the implementation of this initiative, ensuring that working women have the support structures necessary to thrive in their careers.
