The Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in collaboration with the Islamabad Women Chambers of Commerce and Industries (IWCCI) and other public and private sector partners organised, the first ever "Invigorating Women Entrepren-eurs" Expo in Islamabad.
The two-day event aimed at providing a bigger opportunity to the Women Entrepreneurs in Pakistan to promote their businesses before national and international community. Women Entrepreneurs from across Pakistan set-up their stalls at the venue to display their products.
Unido recognises that expanding self employment and creating livelihood opportunities for women through productive work and income generating activities are one of the most effective ways to alleviate poverty and promote female economic empowerment. The main challenge women entrepreneurs in Pakistan encounter are limited access to information and support services, ineffective linkages within the supply chain partners and limited access to markets. This weakens their bargaining position with middle men/women who enjoy the bulk of the revenues. In order to reach women entrepreneurs and their families, Unido's Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme's technical assistance will establish synergistic partnerships between the government and public and private sector support services.
Speaking at the on the occasion, the Unido head of agency, Shadia Yousuf Bakhait said, "It is a great opportunity for these women to feature their products and enhance networking. Plate-forms like these can help develop their linkages with the national and international buyers and exporter, hence boosting their business and income." Bakhait further said, "Business Growth Centre is an important component of the WED Programme and through this event, we are introducing the key services of Business Growth Centre to a large number of women entrepreneurs.-PR