Experts have stressed that women’s empowerment initiatives must move beyond skills training and build stronger links to employment opportunities, markets, and financial support to boost women’s participation in the economy.

Speaking at the 29th Sustainable Development Conference organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik said industry-relevant skills, public safety, market connectivity and access to capital were essential for increasing women’s economic inclusion.

Rehan Saeed, CEO of L’Oréal Pakistan, noted that despite women comprising nearly half of Pakistan’s population, their labour force participation remains around 24 per cent. He emphasized that skills development programs are most effective when combined with employment, mentorship and business support.

Participants also called for stronger enforcement of workplace harassment laws, removal of social and economic barriers to women’s employment, and greater access to digital tools, markets and financial resources. Speakers agreed that meaningful economic empowerment should enhance women’s financial independence, security and decision-making power.