GILGIT: Speakers recognised women`s contributions to society at an event held in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, calling for creating opportunities for them to grow.

According to a statement, the Dawood Global Foundation launched the LADIESFUND Skardu at an event to elevate the role of women in society, recognise their contributions and create opportunities for growth and leadership.

It brought together inspiring female leaders and change-makers from across Gilgit-Baltistan in a powerful roundtable introduction and networking session.

The event was attended by passionate women from a variety of fields, including Senior Civil Judge Bushra Rehman, make-up artist Maryam Batool, paediatric rehab specialist Dr Sarwat Khatoon, climate change activist Maria Akbar, sculptor Noreen Jahan and others.

Tara Uzra Dawood, President of Dawood Global Foundation and LADIESFUND, speaking on the occasion,said, `LADIESFUND is very excited to have gathered together the most dynamic and inspiring women of GB under this platform of excellence women supporting women and networking.

Senior Civil Judge Bushra Rehman, who attended the event despite being nine months pregnant, said GilgitBaltistan is not only known for its natural beauty and serenity, but it also shines through its talent, skills, beautiful souls and brave personalities who have emerged at both national and international levels.

She added that today`s programme, the first of its kind ever held in Baltistan, marks a significant milestone in women`s empowerment and upliftment.

`I am deeply grateful to Tara Uzra Dawood for organising this event under the banner of LADIESFUND,` said Maryam Batool, whose Ainee`s Salon was the beauty partner for the event.

She added, `I believe this will be a new ray of hope for the hardworking, skilled and courageous women of Baltistan.Hasina Haider expressed her joy and pride in the initiative and said she was very happy to be part of LADIESFUND and very proud of the women of Skardu and Pakistan.

The Skardu launch is part of LADIESFUND`s wider commitment to supporting women leaders in remote and underserved areas of Pakistan, the state-ment issued after the event said.

As with its chapters in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Multan, as well as its international chapters in Barcelona, New York City, Kuala Lumpur, Washington DC, London, and Toronto, LADIESFUND Skardu will serve as a community platform where women can collaborate, grow and access national and international opportunities, it said.The roundtable included introductions, discussion of upcoming initiatives, and potential impact projects focusing on skill development, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.

The event also set the stage for future philanthropic initiatives, talent spotlights and training workshops for tribal and local women.