By Zahid Karani
KARACHI: FEMPACT 2026, a high-level policy dialogue and awards platform, brought together senior leaders from banking, capital markets, law, corporate leadership, media, and civil society to turn diversity, equity, and inclusion discussions into structured action. Organised by Mehmood Tareen, Founder of The Professionals Network, and Xenab Ansari, Founder of Project Pakistan and FEMPACT, the event focused on addressing systemic barriers faced by women in workplaces and the wider economy.
The conference addressed domestic violence as a corporate, economic, and policy concern rather than a private matter. Speakers highlighted legislative progress and the role of employers in creating safer work environments. Key participants included Haya Zahid, CEO Legal Aid Society; Jameel Yusuf, Chairman TPL Holdings and Founder of CPLC and Panah Shelter Homes; Zubair Motiwala, Former CEO TDAP; Rabia Khattak, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Jazz; Roofi Jamil, Former Global L&D Head at HBL; Khushbakht Shah Jillani, Founder KSJ Associates and Mehfooz.ai; and Dr Irum Saba, Director IBA CEIF and Founder Women Leadership Forum. The session also featured a fundraising conversation with Masarrat Misbah, Founder of Depilex Smile Again Foundation, supporting survivors of violence. A key outcome was the Domestic Violence Workplace Policy Pledge, recognising companies committed to adopting or strengthening workplace policies addressing domestic violence.
FEMPACT 2026 also highlighted women’s financial literacy as a driver of economic growth, linking access to financial knowledge with productivity, participation, and long-term economic resilience. Speakers included Sima Kamil, Former Deputy Governor State Bank of Pakistan; Raeda Latif, strategic leader in inclusion and financial literacy; Mashmooma, CEO Mutual Funds Association of Pakistan; Sara Sajjad, Deputy Chief Manager Financial Inclusion Division, State Bank of Pakistan; and Maria Qureshi, GM HR, Security Papers Ltd. Moderated by Maham Wajahat, Founder of HerStash, the discussion contributed to the Women’s Financial Literacy Action Commitment, encouraging organisations to integrate financial literacy initiatives into DEI and workforce development strategies.
The event also honoured individuals such as Dr Ishrat Hussain, Mehdi Kazmi, Uzma Noorani, Dr Masuma Hasan, and institutions advancing women’s safety, representation, and economic empowerment across Pakistan. Community, knowledge, and media partners included HerStash, Mehfooz.ai, Women Leadership Forum, Project Pakistan, CommUnityX, Harmony Moments, HUM TV, and others. FEMPACT aims to continue year-round efforts toward measurable outcomes, including increased corporate adoption of domestic violence workplace policies and expanded financial literacy access for women across sectors
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