Kanwal Naseer

E-commerce has transformed the way businesses operate, offering unique opportunities that particularly benefit women entrepreneurs or influence their approach to entrepreneurship, reports WealthPK. Talking to WealthPK, Founder President of Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) Samina Fazil said Pakistani women are very talented and dedicated, and e-commerce had proved as a powerful tool for them to enhance their entrepreneurial journeys. By switching to online marketplaces, these women are not only expanding their businesses but also empowering themselves. “I established my boutique in 1990, but now I have shifted my shop to the online market. When I started, the market was entirely different. I spent hours in my shop and built relationships with the customers. In the past days, selling was all about personal connections. I can cite many women who manage businesses in conventional settings. It’s incredibly difficult to balance work, family, and home responsibilities,” she explained.

“The requirements of running a shop frequently come with severe limits, including high rental costs and limited time with no flexibility. Now, women have their own online clothing stores, footwear shops, and accessories stores. E-commerce has transformed the way we sell products. “This shift not only expands the market reach but also empowers women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams more easily by sitting in their living rooms. Irrespective of clothing, many women are now successfully running online baking and food businesses. This change also highlights their culinary skills and increases the demand for home-cooked meals and baked items," she added. She further told WealthPK that with the rise of food delivery platforms, women were entering the food industry without having the need for a physical store. Women are now connecting with various platforms like Food Panda and running their own food enterprises from home very conveniently.

“The social media has transformed the way homemade businesses operate, providing women with the tools to promote their products effectively and reach a larger audience. The entrepreneurs can showcase their culinary talents, build brand loyalty, and engage directly with their customers by using platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram,” Saima continued. “The IWCCI's principal goal is also to encourage women to start their own businesses. Through a variety of initiatives, the group encourages women to explore their potential and enhance entrepreneurial talents,” she told WealthPK. “The IWCCI also conducts many workshops and training programmes that are designed to meet the specific needs of women entrepreneurs. By learning essential skills, women gain confidence to manage their businesses effectively,” Saima added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk