Women Development Department Punjab Addresses Economic Empowerment Challenges for Women-Led Businesses

The Women Development Department Punjab welcomed a delegation from Chemonics International Inc. as part of their G-Trip for the anticipated USAID-funded project, “She Leads, Pakistan Rises.” The project aims to bolster women’s participation in Pakistan’s economy, with a specific focus on supporting women-led businesses (WLBs), including startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). During the meeting, Secretary Women Development Department Punjab, Sumaira Samad, shared valuable insights into the economic challenges faced by women in Punjab and highlighted the department’s role in fostering an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs.

Sumaira Samad emphasized the pivotal role of the Women Development Department in both policymaking and implementation of women’s economic empowerment initiatives in the province. She discussed the challenges confronted by women-led business entities and encouraged collaboration between the department and Chemonics International Inc. to address these challenges effectively. Additionally, she recommended that the project’s policy focus should extend to departments such as Archives, Agricultur, and Livestock, recognizing the significant involvement of women in businesses related to these sectors.

The Women Development Department Punjab expressed its commitment to working closely with Chemonics International Inc. and other stakeholders, including the Industries Department and P&D Board, to create a conducive environment for the growth and prosperity of women-led businesses in the province. This collaborative effort aligns with the broader objectives of the “She Leads, Pakistan Rises” project, which seeks to enhance access to digital technology, improve access to finance, strengthen the digital ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, and promote operational efficiency and supply chain linkages to empower women economically across Pakistan.