The Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) have intensified efforts to empower women entrepreneurs, aiming to increase their participation in global trade. Through the Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program, the organizations are providing targeted training, digital trade facilitation, and market-linkage initiatives to support women-led businesses in expanding into international markets.
The program’s recent sessions in Sialkot and Gujranwala equipped women entrepreneurs with practical knowledge of export compliance, digital trade tools, and sustainable business practices. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to connect female-led businesses with global trade opportunities, fostering economic growth and development.
- PSW and TDAP conducted specialized sessions in Sialkot and Gujranwala to support women entrepreneurs.
- The Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program provides training, mentorship, and market access tools to women-led businesses.
- The initiative aims to increase women’s participation in international trade and promote sustainable economic development.
- The program is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, promoting inclusive and environmentally responsible trade practices.
Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program
The Khadijah Program is a key component of PSW and TDAP’s efforts to modernize cross-border trade and promote gender-inclusive economic development. The initiative has been recognized with the WTO Global Award for Gender Equality in Trade, demonstrating its impact and effectiveness in supporting women entrepreneurs.
Through the program, PSW and TDAP are working to bridge the gap between academia and industry, enhancing export readiness among women entrepreneurs. The initiative combines trade facilitation with capacity building, promoting digitally enabled, environmentally responsible, and inclusive trade practices.
Capacity Building Workshops
In Gujranwala, a comprehensive capacity-building workshop was organized in collaboration with GIFT University and Gujranwala WCCI. The workshop focused on customs procedures, e-commerce integration, digital marketing, access to finance, and green trade standards. Dr Muhammed Shahid Qureshi, Rector of GIFT University, and Yasmin Dawood, President of Gujranwala WCCI, appreciated the collaborative initiative, describing it as an effective effort to enhance export readiness among women entrepreneurs.
Impact and Future Plans
Syed Aftab Haider, CEO of PSW, emphasized the commitment to making cross-border trade more accessible to entrepreneurs across Pakistan. “Advancing into Phase 2 with targeted Focus Group Discussions allows us to listen directly to women exporters and build an inclusive, technology-driven trade ecosystem,” he added. The program’s future plans include expanding its reach to other industrial centers, providing more women entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in global trade.
Partnership and Collaboration
The partnership between PSW and TDAP is crucial in supporting women entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to expand their businesses into international markets. Watan News will continue to monitor the progress of the Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program, highlighting its impact and success stories. Fouzia Perveen Chaudhry, Additional Secretary/Head of Women Entrepreneurship Division, TDAP, emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership in promoting women’s participation in international trade, “We are committed to working together to create a more inclusive and supportive trade environment for women entrepreneurs.”
