Kanwal Naseer

The Government of Pakistan has been making efforts towards gender equality and economic empowerment of women. Khadija Programme is an effort – at the private level – to empower women entrepreneurs to play a more significant role in the dynamic landscape of cross-border trade. The participants have demonstrated great enthusiasm for the program’s positive impact on their businesses.

Talking to WealthPK, Director General of Machine & HI Pvt Ltd Ms Qaisra Shah, said, “We manufacture wrapping and packing machines, primarily for the biscuit, soup, and confectionery industries. Major multinational brands in the biscuit sector use our machines. Our next step is to expand exports. Currently, we are exporting machines to Zambia. When we approached Khadija Programme, it was a positive step for our business. When I expressed my interest in exporting machines, they agreed to assist us. I seized this opportunity, and we successfully initiated exports to Zambia. So, this program has been a significant milestone in my business journey.” Ms Aaleen Zaryab, founder of Jasmine Organic, told WealthPK, “We are a brand of sustainable beauty. When I attended the conference for the first time, I was inspired by its every aspect. As we know, Khadija was the first female trader involved in international trade, and networking with such knowledgeable individuals allowed me to learn a great deal.

We also explored export opportunities, and I was given the chance to represent Pakistan at a B2B trade event in Kyrgyzstan. This program marked a significant milestone in my journey as an entrepreneur.” She highlighted how Khadijah Program had empowered female entrepreneurs by providing them with access to the international markets and global opportunities. Mehwish Kanwal Janjua, President of Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Quetta, praised the initiative and told WealthPK, “I applaud Khadija programme for its steadfast commitment to supporting the growth of SMEs and empowering women-led businesses in cross-border trade. This will empower women to engage in competitive export markets and achieve economic independence." She further said, “We are inspired by the resilience and innovation demonstrated by Pakistani women entrepreneurs. From the chamber’s perspective, it is our foremost responsibility to create an ecosystem that supports women-led businesses in leveraging the digital landscape, unlocking their full potential to contribute to our national economy."

Credit: INP-WealthPk