International Women Entreprenuership Day was celebrated on 18th November 2016 at Potahar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA) Naramughlan in Chakwal. The event aimed to bring relevant people who are encouring women entrepreneurs to discuss ways that can help businesswomen progress in Pakistan.

Regional Manager PODA Ms. Naheeda Abbasi discussed various programs being hosted for women entrepreneurs by PODA. “At PODA we provide them with various training opportunities and connect them with different organisations that can help them provide opportunities to make their business profitable. Through PODA’s efforts these women are able to sell and market their products, which increases their monthly income”, she said.

Ms. Ayesha Bibi, who has a kitchen gardening and organic farming business shared her experience while speaking to the audience. “I feel empowered ever since I started my own business. I won’t lie; its tough and it comes with its own challenges but its worth it in the end. Its an enlightening and liberating experience that empowers and makes women confident and independent. Empowered women help in creating more opportunities for other females as well as raising education and literacy rate”, she said.

KMBL beneficiaries Shagufta Mazhar and Rubina Tariq Nazeer enlightened the audience with their experience . Shagufta who has a livestock business said this business has not only helped her earn money but has also given her a purpose in life. She has been able to send her kids to school and provide for them because of the livestock business. “I am setting an example for many other women who can also earn, educate their families and lead their lives towards prosperity”, she said.

As a major sponsor of the event, Khushhalibank strongly believes in eradicating poverty and giving access to banking services to people from all social classes in Pakistan. Khushhalibank’s core values include empowering low income households across the country through Microfinance. KMBL believes that microfinance is a powerful tool for women, which can help them break the largest barrier facing female entrepreneurs - obtaining capital.

Branch Manager KMBL, Gujar Khan Mr. Mudassar Ayub Janjua spoke about how women entrepreneurs and Khushhali can work together. “Khushhali Microfinance Bank aims to increase financial inclusion in Pakistan. Our goal is to empower women, reduce poverty and improve lives and we firmly believe microfinance is a powerful tool for achieving all these goals”, he said.

He further highlighted that Khushhali encourages women to reach out to us and seek help. “We are ready to facilitate and provide them with capital, which is one of the biggest challenges women face when they think of starting their own business”, he added.

Executive District Officer Agriculture Chakwal Mr. Abdul Sattar discussed the government interventions on organic farming and the way forward to work with civil society organisations and private/ corporate sector. “The civil society and the private sector is very important for us and we understand the huge role they play in organic farming. Thus, we encourage members of the civil society and the private sector to reach out to us and practice organic farming”, he mentioned.

The event featured a gathering of women from all walks of lives including business women, skilled workers and housewives who are looking for different opportunities. Khushhali donated sewing machine tables and an over locking machine for the facilitation of female participants of skill training sessions at the PODA center.