This was said by Robin L Raphel, Co-ordinator for Non-Military Assistance to Pakistan, while addressing a media briefing on "US-Pak Economic Engagement for Empowerment of Women in Pakistan," here at the residence of American Consul General on Friday. She was also accompanied by CG Michael Dodman and Sara Peck Executive Director US-Pakistan Women's council.
Through the Council's forum, launched by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in September 2012, both countries could explore more ways to find opportunities for women like giving them internships and other employment opportunities. "The more access is given to women, the more economic activities would be flourished in the country," she added.
Addressing briefing, Sara Peck said it would introduce young women to the workplace through internships, career counselling, and other activities, through a close co-operation with prominent companies here to encourage employment of more women. Referring to a performance of a company which introduced women as members of its Board, she suggested the local firms to encourage more women to enter the workplace for better growth and performance.
The council, according to her, has held meetings with some selected firms, NGOs and institutions to highlight importance of women entrepreneurs and value of letting them enter the workplace. The forum would also help to link US and Pakistani corporations, universities, NGOs, and other individuals to Pakistani initiatives that advance economic opportunities for women, including by promoting female employment, providing internships and scholarships, or mentoring young women on business planning, market access, and leadership.
In reply to a query, she said though the council would focus on the women mainly in big cities of Pakistan the less educated women in rural areas could also be benefited from the program indirectly. Earlier, Michael Dodman said the newly launched Council was aimed at connecting US and Pakistani corporations, foundations, universities, and individual donors with programmes in Pakistan that supported economic opportunities for women. "The US has made gender equality and women's empowerment a core focus of our foreign policy."
In reply to a query that why there was not a significant increase in trade volume between Pakistan and US despite of being coalition partners and having closed relations for the last couple of years, the CG claimed that there was improvement in bilateral trade, and said more ways were being searched to enhance the bilateral which was currently in favour of Pakistan. "Even presently 20 percent of Pakistan's exports are linked to the US," said Raphel replying to the query, adding that more areas and ways were being found out by concerned authorities on both sides to increase the trade volume.