Entrepreneurial display centre to be set up for women

Islamabad : The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will come up with appropriate options soon to facilitate the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCC) in establishing an entrepreneurial display centre for artisanal women under the Ehsaas framework.

An understanding to this effect was reached here Tuesday when entrepreneurial women leaders from IWCCI came to the table with Ehsaas at Pak-China Friendship Centre to explore collaborative opportunities aimed at supporting artisanal women.

The meeting was convened jointly by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr. Sania Nishtar, and CDA Chairman Amir Ali. The deliberations explored options for supporting the Women Chamber under the Ehsaas framework.

Women Chamber brought light to the pressing need for a display centre in the capital to showcase and promote the work of artisanal women from far-flung areas. Dr. Sania and Amir Ali assured that they will explore suitable sites in Islamabad for setting up a display centre exclusively for artisanal women.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nishtar remarked, “Ehsaas is determined to foster economic empowerment of women. In this context, the display centre will have massive potential. It will help deserving women benefitting from Ehsaas Kafaalat, interest free loans and asset transfer programmes to overcome the entrepreneurial challenges they come across in Pakistan and develop initiatives to increase opportunities for aspiring women entrepreneurs from underprivileged areas to start their own enterprises.”

“CDA is excited to support Ehsaas with an expanded focus on empowering women artisans. The need for a display centre is important as it will play a vital role in fostering and promoting women’s entrepreneurship by creating an enabling environment,” said Amir Ali.

From the IWCCI’s side, Samina Fazil, Founder President, IWCCI, Farida Rashid, President IWCCI, Naima Ansari, Former Vice President, IWCCI and Shamim Aftab, Former President, IWCCI and Member Provincial Assembly, Punjab joined the meeting.