Speakers stress women’s economic empowerment

PESHAWAR: A public-private dialogue on Thursday urged all stakeholders to work together to advance the cause of women entrepreneurs and empower them economically.

The gathering was hosted by the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) in collaboration with Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Mardan).The event, sponsored by the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), brought together key stakeholders to foster inclusive and participatory democracy in the region by empowering women-led businesses and chambers of commerce.

The dialogue addressed strategies and initiatives designed to support women entrepreneurs and small businesses across KP.Project Manager, Khalfan Khattak highlighted CGPA’s commitment to strengthening women’s chambers of commerce by creating an enabling environment for participatory democracy and reliable opportunities for women-led businesses.

Mahvish Ayub, head of strategy at the National Incubation Center (NIC) Peshawar, emphasized the importance of strengthening women’s businesses in the province. She talked of the role NIC Peshawar had played in enhancing capacity building and outreach for women entrepreneurs.

Mahvish Ayub underscored the significance of collaboration between private and public sectors to address challenges and unlock opportunities for women in business. She encouraged women entrepreneurs to leverage NIC Peshawar’s initiatives to scale their ventures and achieve greater impact.

Provincial Chief of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Rashid Aman discussed the needs of start-ups and SMEs, identifying gaps in policy and regulatory frameworks that hinder their growth. He stressed the need for a regulatory framework to nurture entrepreneurship and drive sustainable economic development in the province.

Ambareen Hoti, the founding member of WCCI Mardan, spoke about the role of women’s chambers in revenue generation at the district level. She outlined the barriers women-led businesses face and the importance of targeted support mechanisms to help overcome these challenges, enabling more women to participate in economic activities with the support of both elected and public administration.

Ashfaq Masood, Commissioner, Inland Revenue, provided insights into the processes and benefits of business registration. He talked of the Federal Board of Revenue’s procedures and domain in tax collection.

District Police Officer of Mardan, Zahoor Babar Afridi, stressed the importance of integrating women into policing and Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs).

He said this inclusion was crucial not only for representation but also for fostering trust and ensuring access to justice, particularly for women-related issues. He pledged to explore avenues for more women in police services and DRCs.

Deputy Commissioner Azmat Ullah Wazir elaborated on the role of district administration in enhancing local business ecosystems under the KP Urban Policy 2030 and Chief Minister’s Reforms Agenda.He pledged support to create workable spaces and to establish a women’s

facilitation desk for women-led businesses at the district level to resolve and find amicable solutions for women-related economic issues. He also showed his commitment to providing an accessible office in the government premises to WCCI Mardan for better public visibility and outreach.

Mardan Mayor Himayat Ullah Mayar emphasized the role of local governments under the KP Local Government Act 2019 in promoting businesses. He highlighted the need for effective collaboration among local governments, district administration, and business chambers to create a sustainable and inclusive economic framework, particularly for women and marginalized groups.