Almost 10 years ago an initiative was taken to provide financial security to women and to promote and train women entrepreneurs. Yes, we are talking about Ladiesfund(r) which was established in 2007 by Dawood Global Foundation (DGF).
empowerment
Almost 10 years ago an initiative was taken to provide financial security to women and to promote and train women entrepreneurs. Yes, we are talking about Ladiesfund(r) which was established in 2007 by Dawood Global Foundation (DGF). This initiative aims to integrate the entrepreneurial needs based on the economic and social aspects of the local communities, with respect to greater women participation in the workforce.
Throughout the year, various events and activities are organised to honour the deserving women. And quite recently, Ladiesfund gathered 150 women entrepreneurs from different fields to network, showcase and see the work of SME (small and medium sized enterprises) artisan craftswoman. Moreover it was aimed to raise funds for educating deserving girls.
This event was created to bring career women together with opportunities for mutual respect, glamour and also to strengthen a community of pride for working women in Pakistan. Ladiesfund’s partnership with Butterfly sanitary napkins, also brought women’s health awareness message and significance to the event.
Amin Gulgee made a special appearance at the event and spoke about the importance of women supporting women. Moreover, Hasan Rizvi of Bodybeat encouraged women to be bold and confident. This is not all! Comedian Akbar Chaudhary entertained everyone with his humorous gig. However the highlight of the event was the lively dance party under the trendy Despacito theme.
There was great business development from the event with women professionals placing orders from entrepreneurs. Mentorships were formed especially as large numbers of millennials attended the event, and many professional friendships made. The women highlighted this year included Rubina Kausar from Zed Mars, Anjum Rana from tribal Truck art and Sara from Sara’s Henna. Sara’s white henna was not only uber trendy but added a stylish 3D reflective element to the evening event. Also, showcased at the event was catering by M’s Kitchen, a new foodpreneur which specializes bite size hors d’oeuvres.
All funds raised from the night went to educating deserving girls in Lahore as part of the Educate a Girl project to educate 1 million girls globally - including 1000 in Lahore. Till date, Educate a Girl has educated 1,000 girls in Karachi (Pakistan), 1250 girls in Lagos (Nigeria) and is currently fundraising for Lahore (Pakistan), Casablanca (Morocco) and Istanbul (Turkey). This multi-award winning initiative has been recognized by the World Bank as top 2 per cent of women-led initiatives in the MENA region.
The event was surely a successful one. Kudos to the entire team!
