Khurrum Ashfaque Wins UN Women 2024 WEPs Award for Gender Equality Leadership

Introduction to the Award

Khurrum Ashfaque, the CEO of Telenor Pakistan, has received the esteemed UN Women 2024 Asia-Pacific Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Award in the Leadership Commitment category. This prestigious recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality and inclusivity within the workplace.

The WEPs Award honors outstanding leaders who not only champion gender equality but also implement policies and initiatives that actively promote women’s empowerment. The Leadership Commitment category, in particular, acknowledges individuals whose leadership has made a significant impact on creating equitable and inclusive work environments.

Khurrum Ashfaque’s Vision for Gender Equality

Under Khurrum Ashfaque’s leadership, Telenor Pakistan has become a beacon for gender inclusivity in the corporate world. He has instilled a culture that prioritizes gender equality at all levels of the organization. His approach goes beyond mere compliance with regulatory standards—Ashfaque envisions an empowered workforce where women are given equal opportunities to excel and lead.

Strategic Initiatives for Gender Inclusivity

Telenor Pakistan’s success in promoting gender equality is attributed to several strategic initiatives designed to address both immediate needs and long-term objectives for women’s empowerment.

1. Naya Aghaaz: A Step Toward Reintegrating Women in the Workforce

One of the most notable programs introduced under Ashfaque’s leadership is “Naya Aghaaz.” This initiative was specifically designed to help women who had taken career breaks re-enter the workforce. By offering flexible working hours, training, and mentoring, the program ensures that returning female professionals are fully supported and given the tools they need to succeed.

2. Parvaaz: Empowering Young Female Talent

Telenor Pakistan also launched the “Parvaaz” program aimed at female sales trainees. This initiative provides specialized training for young women entering the corporate world, particularly in fields where female representation has historically been low. The program aims to create a pipeline of skilled women ready to take on leadership roles in sales and other critical business functions.

3. Empowering Women at Different Career Stages

In addition to the aforementioned programs, Telenor Pakistan has developed other tailored initiatives such as “EmpowHer for Today” and “EmpowHer to Lead.” These initiatives are designed to enhance the skills, leadership abilities, and career development of women at various stages of their professional journeys.

Supporting Policies for a Gender-Inclusive Workplace

Telenor Pakistan’s commitment to gender equality is also evident in its policy framework, which includes flexible work arrangements, enhanced daycare services, and transport allowances for female employees. These policies not only address practical challenges faced by working women but also create a supportive environment that enables them to thrive in their careers.

Khurrum Ashfaque emphasized that Telenor’s commitment to gender equality goes beyond just setting policies; it is about fostering a culture where women feel empowered and supported in every aspect of their professional lives.

Khurrum Ashfaque’s Philosophy: A Moral Imperative and Business Advantage

Khurrum Ashfaque has consistently emphasized that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but a business advantage. He has built a business model around the idea that inclusivity and diversity lead to better outcomes, greater innovation, and a more sustainable future for all.

In his statement, Ashfaque mentioned, “At Telenor Pakistan, we believe gender equality is both a moral imperative and a business advantage. Our commitment goes beyond policies to foster a culture where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.”

The company’s leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and focus on empowering women in male-dominated roles are all part of Ashfaque’s broader vision for the future of work in Pakistan.

Leadership Training and Mentorship Programs

Telenor Pakistan’s leadership training programs are designed to equip women with the skills necessary to take on higher responsibilities within the organization. The company’s mentorship programs are also critical in helping women build networks, gain industry insights, and access career growth opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.

Digital Inclusion for Women in Rural Areas

Telenor Pakistan is also committed to promoting digital inclusion, especially for women in rural areas. By providing access to digital tools and resources, Telenor is helping bridge the gender gap in technology, providing women in underserved regions with the opportunity to develop new skills and contribute to the digital economy.

The Significance of the UN Women WEPs Award

The UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards are part of a global initiative that recognizes companies and leaders who are committed to advancing gender equality and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Leadership Commitment category, which Khurrum Ashfaque won, specifically honors individuals who have led the charge in creating inclusive workspaces and communities.

The WEPs framework, introduced in 2010 by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, provides guidance to businesses on how to implement gender-sensitive practices. By earning this award, Khurrum Ashfaque and Telenor Pakistan join a growing list of organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the promotion of gender equality.

Future Outlook for Gender Equality in Pakistan

Khurrum Ashfaque’s recognition with the UN Women 2024 WEPs Award is a testament to his dedication to creating a more gender-inclusive workforce. However, there is still much work to be done, not only in Pakistan but globally, to ensure that women have equal access to opportunities and are empowered to take on leadership roles.

By continuing to implement policies that promote gender equality and offering mentorship and development programs, Telenor Pakistan can serve as a model for other companies in the region.

FAQs

1. What is the UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Award?

The UN Women Asia-Pacific Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Award honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership in advancing gender equality and empowering women in the workplace and beyond.

2. What initiatives did Telenor Pakistan introduce to promote gender equality?

Telenor Pakistan launched several initiatives, including “Naya Aghaaz” for returning female professionals, “Parvaaz” for female sales trainees, and “EmpowHer” programs to support women at various career stages.

3. Why is gender equality considered a business advantage?

Gender equality contributes to a more diverse and inclusive workplace, which can lead to greater innovation, better decision-making, and improved business outcomes, making it a strategic advantage for organizations.

4. How does Telenor Pakistan support women in rural areas?

Telenor Pakistan promotes digital inclusion by providing women in rural areas with access to digital tools and resources, helping them develop skills and participate in the digital economy.

5. What does Khurrum Ashfaque say about gender equality?

Khurrum Ashfaque believes that gender equality is both a moral imperative and a business advantage. He is committed to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

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