CHARSADDA: A public-private dialogue (PPD) aimed to create a collaborative platform to identify barriers, propose practical solutions and promote inclusive economic growth for women entrepreneurs in the district was organised here on Tuesday.

The event was jointly arranged by Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Charsadda and Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA).

During the dialogue, district administration officials pledged to foster an enabling business environment for women entrepreneurs under the Chief Minister’s Awami Agenda and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Policy 2030.

The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs in Charsadda district.

Stakeholders discuss challenges, opportunities facing businesswomen in Charsadda

Mahvish Ayub, head of strategy at National Incubation Centre (NIC), delivered a compelling presentation on how collaboration and networking could significantly empower women entrepreneurs. She highlighted pivotal role that NIC could play in facilitating business growth by fostering linkages between small and medium enterprises and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (Smeda), especially for securing business grants.

Ms Ayub emphasised NIC’s commitment to providing training on innovation and modern business practices, which are crucial for preparing women entrepreneurs to compete in today’s dynamic market environment.

She also shared details about registration process and how women entrepreneurs could access NIC’s training programmes, including online classes that cater to their needs.

Rashid Aman, provincial chief of Smeda, delivered a comprehensive analysis of development needs for start-ups and SMEs in Charsadda district.

He explored regulatory frameworks that impact SMEs and pointed out policy gaps that currently hinder business growth, particularly for new and emerging enterprises.

Mr Aman emphasised the urgent need for reforms in corporate sector, highlighting importance of providing policy support for SMEs, facilitating local trade, and enabling businesses to participate in export markets.

He proposed a collaborative approach between WCCI and Smeda to foster the growth of SMEs, with a special focus on empowering women-led ventures.

Tania Saleem, president of WCCI Charsadda, addressed a key issue within women chambers, noting that many women chamber members often relied on the support of male chambers for representation, which she described as a non-democratic approach. She stressed that women should be empowered to independently choose their representatives.

Mossarat Qadeem, CEO of Pakistan Initiative for Mothers and Newborns, underscored the critical role that women entrepreneurs played in revenue generation and economic development, citing examples from countries like India and Bangladesh, where feasible business policies had significantly boosted women’s participation in the economy.

Additional deputy commissioner Shehbaz Khattak provided a detailed briefing on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Policy 2030, emphasising its relevance to women-led businesses.

He highlighted key aspects of the policy aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, focusing on improving access to markets, infrastructure, and essential services that facilitate business growth for women in Charsadda.

Mr Khattak said the district administration was fully committed to promoting gender equality and supporting women entrepreneurs.

Mr Khattak announced that district administration plans to offer office premises to WCCI in government facilities, making it more convenient for women entrepreneurs to operate.

He also shared plans for a women-led business expo in Charsadda, set to take place in November 2024, which will provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2024