ISLAMABAD: First Lady Begum Samina Alvi pointed out key measures to promote women entrepreneurship and their participation in country's development process.

Speaking at an international conference on 'Globalizing Women Entrepreneurship (GWE) 2023' organised by President Faisalabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FWCCI), she said, government institutions must work to create an environment that is conducive to women economic participation.

First Lady said that offering financial incentives, promoting gender-sensitive policies, creating women-friendly and harassment-free work environment and establishing mechanisms for easy access to loans specifically tailored for women entrepreneurs were few of measures, government institutions should take.

She said banks could play pivotal role by providing financial backing and advisory services to women entrepreneurs. "Chambers of commerce and industry also hold special responsibility of guiding and mentoring women entrepreneurs", she said adding that they should take proactive role in educating women about running and establishing businesses.

Organising workshops, training programmes and networking opportunities can go long way in equipping women with necessary skills and knowledge, Begum Samina Alvi said.

She said empowering women economically doesn't just benefit them individually, it has also positive impact on communities and economies.

"Entrepreneurship stands as powerful avenue through which we can channel women's potential and transform it into financial empowerment. By providing women with tools, resources and support needed to start and run their businesses, we enable them to not only contribute to their own financial well-being but also to growth of economic development," she added.

She appreciated efforts made by FWCCI in promoting women's entrepreneurship in Pakistan saying that other chambers should also follow suit. She maintained that educated women were more likely to become successful entrepreneurs, contributing to both their individual growth and societal progress.

She said providing women with access to quality education and skill-building opportunities is of paramount importance. She highlighted some common health issues among women including breast cancer and mental stress.

She said by dedicating just 5 minutes each month to self-examination, women and girls can take control of their health and potentially detect issues early, ensuring timely medical intervention.

With regard mental health, she said women, especially working women, have to particularly face stress as they have to maintain balance between their home and work responsibilities.

She urged society at large to take special care of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and give them their rights. Empowering PWDs, ensuring their financial independence, improving their access to opportunities and facilities and including them in mainstream socio-economic activities are essential for creating an equitable, just and inclusive society, she added.

Special Assistant to caretaker Prime Minister on Women Empowerment and Human Right Mishaal Malik said woman had played leading role in struggle for people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed women to play active role in financial activities to ensure socio-economic development of country. President FWCCO Rubina Amjad urged government to provide equal opportunities to women diaspora to fully participate in business activities.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 24 2023

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