ISLAMABAD: In order to foster a beneficial and comfortable working environment for Pakistani women, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has directed the listed companies to formulate and implement gender diversity policies to attract and retain talented women. The corporate sector regulator has said that Pakistan figures fairly low in the Global Gender Gap report index, prepared by the World Economic Forum, and there is a strong need to encourage women participation in the workforce, developing in-demand skills and creating opportunities for women to advance into leadership roles within the corporate sector. The SECP also issued a circular on Monday, directing the board of directors of listed companies to oversee the implementation of gender diversity policies in their companies.