SAFWCO marks 40 years, calls for greater role for women in development

By HYDERABAD: Suleman G. Abro, founder and head of SAFCO Group, has called for women to be given a stronger and more meaningful role in society, emphasizing that sustainable and inclusive development requires collective effort, commitment, hard work and investment in people's capabilities. He expressed these views while addressing a joint ceremony held at HID Hall, SAFCO Group's head office in Hyderabad, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Sindh Agricultural and Forestry Workers Coordinating Organization (SAFWCO) and World Rural Women's Day. Dr Abro said SAFWCO began its journey in 1986 with limited resources but made significant progress in grassroots development, institution-building and research through sustained hard work, learning, commitment and dedication. He emphasized that empowering women and strengthening their role in society must go hand in hand with enabling every team member to contribute their skills towards shared goals. He said staff members should be provided with professional freedom, necessary facilities and trust so they can use their abilities effectively, contribute new ideas and participate in planning. Institutional progress, he added, becomes meaningful when it benefits people and contributes to the wider development of society. The ceremony also highlighted the work of the three institutions operating under SAFCO Group. SAFWCO, established in 1986, works in grassroots development, institution-building and rural women's empowerment. SAFCO Support Foundation, established in 2009, supports women entrepreneurs, while SAFCO Microfinance Company Limited (SMCL) has been providing microfinance services since 2022. Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, Managing Director of SMCL, highlighted the importance of women's empowerment and discussed the changing landscape of microfinance. He noted that digital technology, climate change and economic challenges are reshaping the sector and making its role increasingly important. Referring to Dr Abro's vision of transforming SAFCO Microfinance into a stronger financial institution, he stressed the importance of digital systems, effective management, cooperation and strategic partnerships. Bashir Ahmed Abro, Chief Executive Officer of SAFCO Support Foundation, recalled the organization's early days and described its journey as the result of collective struggle, hard work and dedication. He appreciated the contributions of those who had played a role in the institution's development over the years. Other speakers included Iqbal Hussain Memon, Aleena Soomro, Harish Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Rameez Iqbal, Mashooq Ali Qureshi, Naveed Memon, Wajid Ali Junejo, Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, Jai Prakash, Copyright Business Recorder, 2026