Standard Chartered Bank Launches Programme to Empower Women

KARACHI: Standard Chartered Bank, in partnership with Right To Play International Pakistan, launched the Goal Accelerator Programme at the SC Pakistan Head Office. This initiative builds on the original Goal Programme, first introduced in Karachi in 2016.

The Goal Accelerator is a sport-powered, gender-responsive economic resilience initiative. It aims to create pathways for disadvantaged girls and young women to find decent employment, earn an income, and become economically resilient.

The programme will support 450 young women, aged 17-35, from urban slums in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. To participate in the entrepreneurship track, candidates need at least an 8th-grade education. For employability, a 12th-grade education is required.

Remarks by the Minister for Women Development Sindh

During the event, the Minister for Women Development Sindh, Shaheena Sher Ali, spoke to the audience. She highlighted the initiatives the Sindh Government has taken to empower women. Moreover, she emphasized the government’s strong commitment to improving women’s lives. These efforts include various development programmes aimed at boosting women’s economic and social independence.

CEO’s Remarks

Mr. Rehan Shaikh, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan, highlighted the significance of the programme. He said, “Today is a milestone, not only for the Bank but for the women who will benefit from Goal Accelerator. Since 2016, we’ve partnered with 140 schools across Pakistan, equipping women with the skills to become economically independent. Over 90,000 beneficiaries have shaped their own futures through this initiative.”

He also stressed the importance of addressing the gender gap in the workforce. “At 24.5%, Pakistan’s female workforce participation is one of the lowest globally. Programmes like Goal Accelerator will help close this gap, benefiting entire communities.”

Mr. Ali Khayam, Country Director of Right To Play Pakistan, praised the long-standing partnership with Standard Chartered. He said, “In the past 8 years, the Goal Programme has empowered thousands of girls, teaching them life skills and financial literacy.”

The event ended with a strong commitment to champion the rights of youth, particularly young women, enabling them to reach their full potential.