Issue 12: Global Entrepreneurship Week 2022: Celebrating, Empowering and Supporting Women

 



Message from Editor in Chief

On behalf of the Editorial Board, it is with great pride and sincere privilege that I am writing this message to mark one year of She Matters, a monthly published online magazine. This special issue is launched to celebrate global entrepreneurship week and highlight the challenges and achievements of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. Over the past several years, women’s participation in entrepreneurship has increased globally. Women entrepreneurs are making significant contributions to the global economy and society. According to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2020 survey, an estimated 274 million women globally were involved in business startups in addition to 139 million women owners/managers of established businesses and 144 million women informal investors globally. 

According to World Bank’s We-Fi report 2020, there are only 1% entrepreneurs compared to 21% of male entrepreneurs in Pakistan. There are about 60 Chambers of Commerce, 17 Women Chambers and 9 Small Chambers registered with Trade Office of Pakistan. Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry play a prime role in promoting and empowering women business leaders to achieve their personal and professional goals. Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry was formed to fortify women entrepreneurs of Islamabad. IWCCI mission is to create a peaceful, prosperous and stable nation and free the country from poverty. The Chamber is determined to elevate status of women by involving them fully in entrepreneurial activities. The Chamber was founded by Madam Samina Fazil. The current leadership of IWCCI includes Ms. Rizwana Asif, President, Dr. Sonia Saleem, Senior Vice President and Ms. Sehrish Ahsan, Vice President. The members of the Executive Committee 2022-23 includes Ms. Naima Ansari, Dr. Madeeha Malik, Dr. Joharia Azhar, Ms. Zaheema Iqbal, Ms. Umaira Gillani, Ms. Nazia Mustafa, Ms. Munaza Arif, Ms. Irum Irfan, Ms. Imrana Rubab and Ms. Rabia Raheel. IWCCI has signed various MoUs with different organizations such as Pakistan Western Canada Trade Organization, Askari Bani, Mobilink Microfinance Bank, Bazaar Ghar, Metric and various other organizations to promote women businesses. IWCCI organized the 1st Women Business Awards 2022 at Aiwan e Saddar for acknowledging women entrepreneurs. IWCCI in collaboration with Giga Mall provided 100 women entrepreneurs with the opportunity to showcase their products for a period of 3 months for free. 

This anniversary issue is a special edition on women entrepreneurs of Pakistan to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship week. This issue include Interviews of two amazing, dynamic and women pathfinders as our Guests of the Issue i.e. Madam Samina Fazil, Founder of Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IWCCI) and Madam Rizwana Asif, President of IWCCI. The role of chambers, women chambers, IWCCI in particular and success stories ofIWCCI are part of the issue. Challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs and real stories of emerging women startups have also been included in the issue.

Contents of Issue

  • Guests of the Issue
  • Global Entrepreneurship Week
  • Role of Chambers in promoting Entrepreneurship in Pakistan
  • Role of IWCCI in promoting Women Entrepreneurs
  • Success Stories of IWCCI
  • Challenges faced by Women Entrepreneurs in Pakistan
  • Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in Pakistan
  • Stories of Women Entrepreneurs


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