NSU and Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO Jointly Celebrate International Women Day 2025

The National Skills University Islamabad (NSU) and the Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU) celebrated International Women’s Day under the global campaign theme, #AccelerateAction, in an era where gender parity remains a distant goal, predicted to be achieved only by 2158 at the current pace this year’s theme on the urgent need for decisive, collective efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and biases holding women back.As Pakistan navigates the evolving landscape of education and workforce inclusion, institutions like NSU play a pivotal role in transforming aspirations into reality. The event brought together policymakers, educators, and students to discuss actionable steps toward women’s empowerment, particularly through skills-based education.Mr. Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, emphasized the Ministry’s initiatives to enhance girls’ education, notably by integrating cutting-edge technology. He highlighted the recent International Conference on “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” held in January 2025, reflecting on Pakistan’s commitment to fostering dialogue and finding sustainable solutions.Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Antony Kar Hung Tam, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan, reaffirmed UNESCO’s dedication to supporting education and the well-being of women. Accompanied by Mr. Zafar Hayat Malik, Head of Education at UNESCO Pakistan, and other members of his team, Mr. Tam underscored the need for international collaboration in accelerating gender equity initiatives.PNCU’s Secretary General, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khan, detailed the commission’s efforts to empower women through targeted education and skills development programs. These initiatives, he noted, not only uplift women economically but also foster their leadership in various professional sectors.The National Skills University Islamabad, a UNESCO-UNEVOC Center that champions technical and vocational education as a key driver of economic empowerment. During the event, several accomplished women including NSU girls students shared their success stories, illustrating the transformative impact of skill-based education on their careers and lives. These narratives reinforced the institution’s role in equipping women with industry-relevant expertise, positioning them as leaders in emerging fields.Professor Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of NSU, expressed gratitude to all participants, especially recognizing Mr. Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani’s efforts in championing high-tech programs for young women. Dr. Mukhtar reaffirmed NSU’s commitment to #AccelerateAction, ensuring that every woman who enters its halls leaves with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the modern workforce. According to him, as the world marks another International Women’s Day, the message from NSU and its partners is clear: the time for incremental change is over. Now is the moment to accelerate action to invest in education, challenge outdated norms, and empower the next generation of women to shape the future.