Women Entrepreneur

Women are increasingly making a significant impact on business activities, and the Pakistan Business Council and Industries (PBCI) has established a dedicated Standing Committee to empower women entrepreneurs. The PBCI serves as the secretariat for these activities, collaborating with relevant government agencies and departments to facilitate the business endeavors of women.

The primary objective of this Standing Committee is to foster the development and encouragement of women entrepreneurs in the country. The committee undertakes various functions to achieve this goal:

1. Problem Resolution: Addressing challenges faced by women in business, such as obtaining loans from banks and establishing contacts with government departments.
2. Educational Initiatives: Providing women entrepreneurs with insights into national and international marketing techniques and strategies through workshops, lectures, and business orientation programs.
3. Budget Advocacy: Formulating proposals for the national budget aimed at increasing the involvement of women entrepreneurs in the country’s economic activities.
4. Business Support Programs: Organizing local exhibitions to showcase products manufactured by women entrepreneurs, offering a platform for product introduction and promotion.
5. International Collaboration: Coordinating and facilitating trade delegations of women entrepreneurs (PBCI members) visiting abroad.

Achievements of Women Entrepreneurs (September 2013 – May 2014)

• A three-month negotiation between Ms. Aasia Saail Khan, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Women Entrepreneurship Development and Resource Center (WEDRC), and Enclude, a partner of the World Bank for women’s development projects.
• Focused group discussions and sessions with women entrepreneurs on integrating them into the mainstream economy, leading to PBCI becoming a partner in the World Bank’s pilot project on women’s training.
• Invitations to key figures, such as Ms. Rubina Taufiq Shah, Director of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and collaboration with TDAP on exhibitions and trade fairs.
• Active participation in WEXNET exhibition by PBCI women entrepreneurs, resulting in valuable suggestions from international delegates and awards for four entrepreneurs.
• Collaborative efforts with Australian and Dutch delegates, showcasing PBCI women entrepreneurs’ products and fostering collaborations in education, technology, trade, investment, health, and fashion sectors.
• Regular committee meetings to address members’ issues and provide support.
• Guidance on applying for the Prime Minister’s Loan Scheme for Women and mentoring sessions conducted by Ms. Aasia Saail Khan.
• Presentations on effective advertising on social media and entrepreneurship at international platforms in Cape Town and Colombo.
• Compilation of a database of PBCI women members for future collaboration with government and donor agencies.