UN Women and Zalmi Foundation Sign MoU to Promote Women’s Empowerment through Sports and Skills Development.

Islamabad, Pakistan: UN Women Pakistan and Zalmi Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls through sports, leadership, and economic empowerment initiatives. The signing ceremony, held in Islamabad, marked the beginning of a strategic partnership that will see both organizations join forces on a range of impactful activities, from national women's sports leagues to vocational training and community outreach.

The MoU was formally signed by Main Abbas Layaq, Chief Operating Officer of Zalmi Foundation, and Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan. Speaking at the ceremony, Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan said, "At UN Women, we believe that every woman and girl has the right to realize and reach her full potential-whether in classrooms, at workplaces, in communities or on sports fields. This partnership with Zalmi Foundation is not just about games and competitions; it is about dismantling barriers, defying stereotypes and social norms, and opening doors to leadership and opportunity. Sport has the power to change lives. The ability to drive gender equality by teaching women and girls' teamwork, self-reliance, resilience and confidence. Together, we are creating spaces where women's voices are heard, their talents are celebrated, and their dreams are within reach."

Mr. Javed Afridi, Chairman of Peshawar Zalmi and Zalmi Foundation, reaffirmed his organization's commitment to this cause,"Sports has always been a unifying force, and through this partnership with UN Women, we are determined to ensure that women and girls across Pakistan have equal opportunities to shine, both on and off the field. This initiative is not just about cricket or football; it is about building confidence, leadership, and resilience among women, while also contributing to their economic independence and empowerment."

Under the partnership, a series of flagship initiatives will be launched to promote women's empowerment through sports and skills development. These initiatives include women's cricket and football leagues aimed at expanding opportunities for young girls to participate in competitive sports, along with skills training programs designed to strengthen women's economic independence. 

The sports leagues will involve regional talent identification, structured tournaments, coaching camps, and leadership sessions, while the vocational training will focus on stitching, design, and entrepreneurship, enabling women to establish sustainable home-based businesses. UN Women will contribute by providing technical guidance on gender mainstreaming, facilitating awareness sessions on women's rights, offering mentorship opportunities, and supporting media visibility.

Beyond the field and training spaces, the partnership will emphasize mentorship and leadership development by connecting participants with role models from sports and other sectors, community mobilization to ensure inclusive participation from underrepresented areas, and strategic storytelling to highlight inspiring examples of women breaking barriers. Institutional engagement will be reinforced through public events, recognition awards, and advocacy initiatives promoting gender equality. 

This collaboration represents a multi-dimensional commitment to creating opportunities for women and girls, enhancing confidence and leadership, and challenging stereotypes through both sports and economic empowerment. It marks a significant step towards fostering inclusion, resilience, and ambition across Pakistan.