Pakistan asked to step up invest in female empowerment: Women's Chamber

Islamabad: Feb 17*

President Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) Farida Rashid has said that development in South Asia is tied to peace and development of women which are confronting many cultural, legal and social barriers.

Barriers are impeding growth of women and keeping them to play their due role in the development of country by full participation in the economic activities, she said.

She said this while speaking at a 2-day conference of presidents of women chambers and female entrepreneurs from Saarc region organised by CIPE (Centre for International Private Enterprise) in collaboration with Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Dhaka.

Farida Rashid said that indicators for health, welfare, education, and income for women of this region are among the lowest in the world despite attention of donors and governments which must be analysed in detail.

She said that building the capacity of women is something which is not getting due attention of authorities as well as private sector which is a great impediment in improving business climate for ladies.

The president IWCCI said that situation in Pakistan is far from satisfactory but better from some Saarc counties while the recent unanimously approval of the much-awaited Trade Organisation Act by Pakistan is a great move in the right direction.

Stressing the importance of coalition of women business associations in the region, Farida Rashid said that entrepreneurship development needs sharing ideas, best practices, and experience with groups having little exposure.

Farida Rashid said that CIPE has imparted training to around 100 business chambers and associations to improve their capacity which is a great service to the country and region.

During the conference, the participants shared ideas like business and strategic plans, exchanged ideas for future collaboration in terms of visioning, training and trade promotion activities.

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*Farida Rashid,*

President, IWCCI

(Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce & Industry)