ISLAMABAD – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in connection with International Women Day celebrations hosted a panel discussion to provide inspiration, motivation, excitement, connection and opportunity to the women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.
The theme of the event was “Connecting Entrepreneurs - Inspire Future”, which highlighted the role and significance of women micro entrepreneurs, and particularly the rural women in the national economy.
While sharing her thoughts, Deputy Mission Director USAID/Pakistan, Karen Freeman said, “Gender inequality is evident in the employment sector.
This leads to very limited opportunities for women to venture into domestic markets with their own businesses especially in embellish sector.
This is what USAID is endeavouring to change through its entrepreneurs project in nine districts across country. “We are creating business and livelihoods prospects for 26000 women,” she added.
The event was organised by USAID through its entrepreneurs project implemented by MEDA who is an active international NGO in economic development with specific focus on women empowerment.
The discussion engaged selected women micro-entrepreneurs from all over Pakistan, along with an interactive session with representatives of textile industry, women chambers of commerce, media, export promotion bureau and other civil society representatives as part of the audience.
 The essence of the discussion was to highlight challenges and opportunities for women micro-entrepreneurs in Pakistan, particularly from the rural areas and engaged in the embellished fabric sector.
The dialogues also captured the role of women in the overall economic growth of the country and the role of USAID in harnessing the potential of women micro-entrepreneurs.
The U.S. Agency for International Development is committed to providing development assistance that improves the lives of women, men and children around the world. U
SAID has a special interest in the advancement of women worldwide and is working to improve women’s equality and empowerment not only because it is just, but because it is necessary for successful development.