The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) organized the CA Women’s Day, with the objective of highlighting women as an equally pivotal element in the hierarchy of success. The role women play in developing strong organizations, its culture and business success, while commemorating those women who have served as role models and symbols of excellence in their lives, also highlighting women who have provided positive direction along with being a source of inspiration for many. Giving a message that everything is equally attainable by women if the passion for achieving it exists.
Prominent speakers from the industry as well as government dignitaries shared their views on Balance for Better – Pakistan’s Perspective, women entrepreneurship programs, women friendly workplaces, women on board – challenges and opportunities.
Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, Governor or Punjab, graced the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he stated, “today’s event is a clear indication of the importance of gender parity. It pleases me to see a professional event in which the women outnumbered the men.
He said “the profession of accountancy is regarded as the backbone of financial discipline around the world, and the effectiveness of financial reporting plays an important role in this regard. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan is rendering invaluable services towards promoting transparency and accountability in Pakistan’s corporate sector and developing our capital markets. With due adherence to professional ethics, professionalism and discipline, the profession has brought about a marked improvement in corporate governance and high-quality financial reporting in the country. Working towards improved levels of Gender balance within the profession will only serve to enhance these contributions.
He reminded the audience the pivotal role Mohtarma Fatima, sister of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah played in the Pakistan movement and how it was a testimony of Quaids commitment of inclusion of women in all walks of life.
He added “Over the years, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan has been a key participant in developing the profession nationally and internationally. This ceremony is a further proof of ICAP’s commitment and dedication to the development of Women so that they can contribute to developing a successful and sustainable corporate sector in Pakistan.
In his concluding remarks he congratulated Ms. Hina Usmani on being the first woman, elected as a Council member of ICAP, and appreciated the leadership of the Institute for their continuous effort towards strengthening the representation of Women in the accountancy profession in the country.
Justice Retd. Nasira Iqbal, delivered her keynote address on role of mothers as a leader in bringing up children to make them a productive member of society. She stressed upon the importance of more women to take leadership roles in the economic development of Pakistan.
Hina Usmani, Chairperson CA Women’s Committee and Council Member ICAP, in her address welcomed the impressive audience. She stressed chartered accountancy is globally recognized qualification and requires increased women participation as we are far behind as compared to other regional countries in terms of women in accounting.
She emphasized on more women participation in the workforce as majority educated women in urban areas are not working. She identified provision of flexible working and day care centers as solution to address this issue and appreciated initiatives taken by Punjab Government in this regard and requested adoption at country level.
Jafar Husain, President ICAP, welcomed the guests and appreciated the initiative of CA Women’s Committee. He shared that women make up an integral part of the overall workforce, which helps in taking businesses to great heights. He felt that this was a great initiative which will not only lay the foundation for such events in the future, but also serve as a platform where women come together to get inspired and contribute to make a positive change in the society.
The experienced professionals and speakers present at the event imparted their knowledge and provided valuable insights during focused panel discussions.
The event ended with the distribution of shields to the participants along with a sitcom performance. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) is the premier regulatory body of Accountancy Profession in Pakistan and continues to contribute to the development of CA profession in the country since its inception. ICAP and its Council is strongly committed to diversity and gender parity and has taken many initiatives; the most prominent of them being the formation of the CA Women’s Committee.