Staff Reporter
Karachi: Senior executives, policymakers, legal experts and civil society leaders convened in Karachi for FEMPACT 2026, a high-level policy dialogue and awards platform focused on translating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) commitments into measurable action on women’s safety and economic empowerment.
Organised by Mehmood Tareen, founder of The Professionals Network, and Xenab Ansari, founder of Project Pakistan and FEMPACT, the conference aimed to address structural barriers limiting women’s participation in Pakistan’s workplaces and economy. Discussions were structured around two core themes: workplace responses to domestic violence and women’s financial literacy as an economic growth driver.
Domestic violence framed as a workplace issue
The first segment reframed domestic violence as a corporate, economic and policy concern rather than a private matter, urging employers to introduce systems that protect and support affected employees.
Participants discussed recent legislative developments and the role of organisations in institutionalising safeguards through formal policies.
Speakers included Haya Zahid, CEO of Legal Aid Society; Jameel Yusuf, Chairman TPL Holdings and founder of CPLC and Panah Shelter Homes; Zubair Motiwala, former CEO of TDAP; Rabia Khattak, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Jazz; Roofi Jamil, former global L&D head at HBL; Khushbakht Shah Jillani, founder of KSJ Associates and Mehfooz.ai; and Dr Irum Saba, Director IBA CEIF and founder of the Women Leadership Forum.
A fundraising fireside conversation with Masarrat Misbah, founder of the Depilex Smile Again Foundation, focused on rehabilitation support for survivors of violence.
A key outcome of the segment was the launch of a Domestic Violence Workplace Policy Pledge, developed with Mehfooz.ai, with several companies committing to adopt or strengthen internal support mechanisms. Participating organisations were recognised at the event.
Financial literacy linked to economic resilience
The second segment highlighted women’s financial literacy as a national economic priority, connecting access to financial knowledge with workforce participation, productivity and long-term economic stability.
Speakers included Sima Kamil, former deputy governor of the State Bank of Pakistan; inclusion strategist Raeda Latif; Mashmooma, CEO of the Mutual Funds Association of Pakistan; Sara Sajjad, Deputy Chief Manager at the State Bank’s Financial Inclusion Division; and Maria Qureshi, GM HR at Security Papers Limited.
Moderated by Maham Wajahat, founder of HerStash, the session led to a Women’s Financial Literacy Action Commitment, encouraging organisations to incorporate financial education into DEI and workforce development frameworks.
Awards and partnerships
The event also recognised individuals and institutions for contributions to women’s safety, representation and economic inclusion. Honourees included Dr Ishrat Hussain, Mehdi Kazmi, Uzma Noorani and Dr Masuma Hasan, among others.
Community, knowledge and media partners included HerStash, Mehfooz.ai, Women Leadership Forum, Project Pakistan, CommUnityX, Harmony Moments and HUM TV.
Organisers said FEMPACT would continue working year-round to push for tangible outcomes, including wider adoption of workplace safety policies and expanded financial literacy programmes for women across sectors.
