Welcome Remarks Summary: Empowerment of Women in Pakistan – Education and Microfinance for Justice and Equality (13 March 2026)

The remarks began with gratitude to the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations and special thanks to Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and Counsellor Saima Saleem for organizing the event. Distinguished panelists Dr. Beverly Barrett, DIL alumna Afreen Mushtaq, and Senator Bushra Anjum were warmly welcomed. The speaker emphasized that education and financial inclusion are powerful engines of transformation, capable of empowering women, strengthening families, and advancing development and resilience in societies, with particular emphasis on Pakistan where education opens pathways to leadership, independence, and opportunity. Education for women is linked to community strength, economic growth, and a more inclusive future, while DIL (Developments in Literacy) is highlighted as a catalyst for this vision. For nearly three decades, DIL has expanded access to quality education in underserved areas through community-based schools, innovative learning models, and technology-driven solutions, in partnership with the Government of Pakistan, supporting 141 schools and thousands of students. DIL’s approach includes digital learning tools, modern curricula, and teacher training, equipping students with education, confidence, critical thinking, and technological literacy. The organization focuses on comprehensive teacher training, accountable quality control, expanding access, bridging the digital divide, using AI to improve learning, and building data-driven education systems via a network-wide Learning Management System, positioning DIL as a leader in education and opportunity in Pakistan. Afreen Mushtaq’s report—twelve years of schooling through DIL from Orangi to a Fulbright scholarship at Harvard University—illustrates the life-changing power of education. The remarks also contextualized MALA (Muslim American Leadership Alliance) as an ECOSOC-consultative NGO committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially gender equality, education, reducing inequalities, and promoting peace and justice. MALA’s participation in UN meetings, CSW, and more than 250 events across the United States underscores its role in fostering education, civic engagement, and community empowerment. As MALA’s chair, the speaker affirmed ethical leadership, stronger communities, education, and the advancement of underserved populations, including Pakistani communities, and highlighted partnerships with StoryCorps, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as Meta, Cartier, and other collaborators. A notable milestone mentioned was being invited to ring the opening bell at NASDAQ on International Women’s Day, symbolizing continued commitment to women’s empowerment and leadership. The remarks concluded with gratitude to the Permanent Mission, Ambassador Ahmad, the panelists, and all attendees, emphasizing a shared vision where education, opportunity, and equality enable every woman to realize her full potential and contribute to a just, inclusive, and prosperous world.