ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador David Hale encouraged community activists to continue their work in supporting and empowering women with disabilities during a conference in the federal capital organised by the Special Talent Exchange Programme (STEP). Ambassador Hale said, “Our partnership with STEP focuses on raising awareness about resources for women with disabilities, providing training to increase these women’s participation in the workforce and educating the general public about the rights of people with disabilities”. Regarding disability rights, Ambassador Hale acknowledged, “Ensuring equal participation by women with disabilities is a work in progress everywhere and it is a challenge we can and must tackle”. US Embassy brought together activists from across Pakistan to discuss additional measures that can be taken to empower disabled women and also funded the conference. The event featured panel discussions on sustainable development goals and the roles of gender and disability in development.