APWC presidents seek Ehsaas support

Islamabad :Presidents of All Pakistan Women Chambers (APWC), accompanied by leadership of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called on Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr. Sania Nishtar here Tuesday to flag the need for institutional support to run the secretariats of the Chambers, and the need for support through the Export Development Fund.

Dr. Sania assured the entrepreneurial women leaders that both their concerns would be explored at the highest level and with relevant ministries. The meeting took stock of key challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs and explored options for supporting the Women Chambers under Ehsaas. Representing 11 Women Chambers from across Pakistan, the women came to the table immediately after their interaction with Dr. Sania at the inauguration of the Third All Pakistan Women Chambers Presidents’ Summit (APWCPS) in Rawalpindi.

Dr. Sania briefed the women about the new financial inclusion policy of Ehsaas and assured them that a briefing would be arranged for members of the Women Chambers so that they can better understand how to access credit through the window of Ehsaas. “In order to succeed as a country, we need many more women in Pakistan to have opportunities to learn, earn and thrive,” she reiterated, adding “that is why Ehsaas launched the National Poverty Graduation Initiative and the Undergraduate Scholarships Programme with 50% places reserved for women and girls.”

The women leaders thanked Dr. Sania for inviting them to the table for a discussion on the challenges being faced by Women Chambers. They appreciated the open-door policy of Ehsaas and were delighted to have the opportunity to voice their issues with the government.