The LADIESFUND®️ and UNDP Co-Host the 8th LADIESFUND Sustainability Luncheon in partnership with the British Deputy High Commission at Acton House Gardens, British Deputy High Commission, Karachi, where 250 dynamic guests including women leaders, icons, corporate high-flyers, artisans, home chefs, techpreneurs, and gurus gathered, alongside some distinguished male champions of women, to discuss “Women & Climate Action” as well as recognize the 11 LADIESFUND Women of Inspiration 2024: Atiya Khan, Film Director and former Supermodel, Ayesha Ashraf Jangda (Shariah Banker), Aysha Baqir (author), Baakh Pirzada (news anchor), Dr. Huma Baqai (Rector of MiTE), Fatimeh Fifi Haroon (senior journalist formerly with BBC), Khursheed Kotwal (Chartered Accountant), Nina Kashif (Film Producer), Sabina Khatri (social worker), Shama Askari (performing artist and translator), and Shanaz Ramzi (PR guru).
“Women pay a very important role in Climate Action and we are proud to focus our discussion today, co-hosted by UNDP and in partnership with the British Deputy High Commission, on this rich topic. We are joined by Naz Khan, Principal Country Officer, IFC, and Farrukh Khan, MD, PSX, for a deep dive panel discussion, then will present some awards to companies and individuals who greatly support United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5 Gender Equality, and then announce our 11 LADIESFUND 2024 Women of Inspiration who are not only Ambassadors for this cause, but will meet with and mentor tables today over lunch,” said Dawood Global Foundation President Tara Uzra Dawood. “Proceeds from today’s event go towards UNSDG #2: Zero Hunger and every element of the lunch has strived to be sustainable, with brainstorming discussions with the British specifically on this.”
“It is my very first time in Karachi… Congratulations to all of us for gathering today for an important cause. Congratulations to the LADIESFUND. We at UNDP are very proud to be partnering with this noble initiative. We talk about Sustainable Development Goals. We talk about Gender Equality and must appreciate that half the population is men and so good to see some men here,” said Van Nyugen, UNDP Deputy Regional Representative in her Welcome Speech. “This is to say a Warm Welcome to all of you on behalf as Co-Host.” Ms. Nyugen was joined at the event by UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Amir Khan Goraya and Head of Climate Promise Usman Manzoor, both of whom had flown to Karachi with her from Islamabad.
“I’m thrilled that the first event we are hosting at the compound in 2024 is with The LADIESFUND and … it is our 21st event we have held with The LADIESFUND over the last few years and I hope that my successors are here in many years time and it will be the 42nd event and so on,” said British Deputy High Commissioner Sarah Mooney in her Welcome Speech. “This is the 8th January lunch we have had with The LADIESFUND and the British Government is very keen to continue to support this initiative. We have more than 200 inspiring women here today and somewhat less, but still inspiring, men … This year, the fundraiser around LADIESFUND is LADIESFUND Feed: Bhook Mitao, which I’m so proud is inspired by King Charles’ Coronation.”
Ms. Mooney also added in her speech, “I’m delighted that the UNDP are co-hosting this event which demonstrates the weight now attached to this initiative.”
“There is evidence to show when women are at the decision-making table, their responses are better, their preparedness is better, sustainability is better, use of natural resources are better. There is research by the International Bank that across 2000 listed companies, 1 % increase in female managers led to 1/2% decrease in carbon monoxide … energy (which you would know Tara as you are in the energy sector), transport, steel these are traditionally industries with low percentage of women,” said Naz Khan, Principal Country Manager, IFC, World Bank Group, during the insightful panel. “So, this is really an opportunity for private sector to bring in women.”
“I’ve seen how difficult and challenging it can be for women. Men and women both have spectrums of masculinity and feminity and men are not a good role model for women to follow. Stick to what you think are your own strengths and attributes,” said Farrukh Khan, MD, PSX, on the topic of what he felt successful women differently. His words underscored the LADIESFUND 2024 theme of the year: Be Yourself.
The event was compered by Mohammmad Rajpar, Managing Director of General Shipping Agencies, with songstress Nabilo Bano reciting the National Anthems of both Pakistan and the United Kingdom, and Talat Hashimi reciting the tilawat. Spotted in the audience were Ayhan Mustafa Bhutto. Additional Secretary, Environment, Climate Change & Coastal Development Department (ECC&CDD), Government of Sindh, Sultana Siddiqui, Seema Taher Khan, Frieha Altaf, Amin Gulgee, British Deputy Head of Mission Martin Dawson, Masarrat Misbah, Deputy Head of Mission German Consulate Karachi Andreas Wegner, Jehan Ara, Ijaz Nasir, Ashraf Feerasta Daredia, Misbah Momin, Mansoor Peshimam, Gulzar Dossa, Anjum Waris Khan, Beo Zafar, Nargis Rahimtoolah, Samia Mufti, Afzaal Adhia, Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Good Shepherd Sisters Rozina Emmanuel and Nirmalie, Ruby Noorani, among others.
Sponsors included Bisconni (Bazaar), Flow Petroleum (Gold), PG General Supplies (Silver), Bombay Light House (Bronze), Habib Metropolitan Bank (Bronze), Aanch Events (decor), Igloo (ice cream), Nestle Pakistan (beverage), Nescafe (Coffee), Depilex (Beauty), Enchanted Silver (Jewelry), and supporters Grant Thornton, Aaliya Dossa, Maliha Farooq Ismail, MiTE and Anadil Khan. Dessert Partners included Irma, Sweet n Savouries, Meethay and MamaJune.
The Bisconni Bazaar was very happening with curated stalls by women artisans including U&I By Aneesa Anus, BarHaaam Organics. Rao Collection, ROC, Beads Desired, Meem By Madiha Couture, Maccarroon, Bloom Craft, PJ’s Jars, Jugnu Candle, Unique Collections, Free Birds Jewels, and Metal Bling.
Please contact LADIESFUND if you wish to contribute to or volunteer for Bhook Mitao, or attend next year’s luncheon.
