Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry has stressed the need for women entrepreneurs to upgrade and update their information technology skills and trainings. The transition of the world into a global village has made it important that digitization is embraced wholeheartedly to reap the rewards. Speaking at the gathering titled “International Conference on Pakistani Export Potential-Women Led Business” Vice Presidents of the Chambers Riffat Malik, and Amin Ullah Baig were of the view that women empowerment and economic development go hand in hand.

They said that women face a lot of problems in starting and growing a new business. Level playing fields are not available to women entrepreneurs as compared to their male competitors. If women are given a level playing field they will be able to outsmart and outcompete their male peers. They pointed out the social, economic and security challenges to women while working in a male-dominated work area. Lack of access to professional networks and poor access to capital remain key obstacles to the growth of women entrepreneurs in the country. Women-led businesses need to be supported to venture for increased exports and flourishing domestic trade, they said.

Riffat Malik, Vice President of FPCCI stressed the need for women entrepreneurs to upgrade their IT skills. They will thus find new ways to grow their businesses by adopting innovations and modern skills of management. “Women entrepreneurs can earn substantial income from their business pitches on social media sitting at home, so it is important for women entrepreneurs to come forward in the field of information technology”, she said. “Although women face a lot of challenges they still have not given up. They try to compete with men in all forms of business environments and all forms of business ventures. She highlighted the role of FPCCI in helping women entrepreneurs in getting the required registrations and ensuring the application of best practices,” she said.

Amin ullah Biag for his part emphasized the need for measures to boost the confidence of women entrepreneurs. He said that women hold the key to the future of Pakistan’s successful development. Women in Pakistan have great potential and just need opportunities to channel their potential and talent into a successful venture, he said. He also stressed the need for legal measures to provide protection and a conducive working environment for women.

He said that the “FPCCI is committed to the advancement of women entrepreneurs and business leaders as it is focusing on women micro-entrepreneurs and other neglected sectors. Adding that women workers perform as good as male workers and, in some instances, they even outperform them. “The Chambers will also continue to support female entrepreneurs, as economic expansion and prosperity of the country are closely linked to the success of women,” he said adding that women empowerment will have a positive impact on the economy and the generations and should be given top priority.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk