Islamabad’s National Skills University (NSU) and the Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU) jointly celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 under the global theme #AccelerateAction. With gender equality projected to be achieved only by 2158 at the current pace, this year’s theme calls for urgent efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and biases that hinder women’s progress.
As Pakistan navigates its evolving landscape of education and workforce inclusion, institutions like NSU play a crucial role in turning aspirations into reality. The event brought together policymakers, educators, and students to discuss actionable steps for empowering women, particularly through skill-based education.
Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Mr. Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani, highlighted the government’s initiatives to enhance girls’ education, emphasizing the integration of modern technology. He also reflected on the recent international conference on “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities”, held in January 2025, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to fostering dialogue and sustainable solutions.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Anthony Kho Hung Tam, Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO Pakistan, reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to education and women’s welfare. Alongside Mr. Zafar Hayat Malik, Head of Education at UNESCO Pakistan, and his team, he emphasized the importance of international collaboration in accelerating gender equality initiatives.
PNCU’s Secretary-General, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khan, detailed the commission’s efforts in empowering women through targeted education and skill development programs. He noted that such initiatives not only enhance women’s economic independence but also foster leadership across various professional fields.
As a UNESCO-UNEVOC center, NSU champions technical and vocational education as a key driver of economic empowerment. During the event, several accomplished women, including NSU students, shared their success stories, showcasing the transformative impact of skill-based education on their careers and lives. Their narratives reinforced NSU’s role in equipping women with industry-relevant skills, positioning them as leaders in emerging sectors.
NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar expressed gratitude to all participants, acknowledging Mr. Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani for his efforts in championing high-tech programs for young women. He reaffirmed NSU’s commitment to #AccelerateAction, ensuring that every woman who enters its halls graduates with the skills and confidence to thrive in the modern workforce.
As the world marks another International Women’s Day, NSU and its partners send a clear message: the time for gradual change is over. It’s time to invest in education, challenge outdated norms, and accelerate action to empower the next generation of women to shape the future.
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