USAID celebrates women’s Day

Nasir Mahmood Kharl

Islamabad: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) celebrated International Women’s Day by hosting a panel discussion to provide inspiration, motivation, excitement, connection and opportunity to the women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. The theme of the event was ‘Stepping into Success’, which highlighted the role and significance of women micro entrepreneurs, particularly the rural women in the national economy.

The event was organized by USAID through its entrepreneur’s project implemented by MEDA, who is an active International NGO in economic development and related sectors.

The wife of US Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Marilyn Wyatt was the chief guest at the auspicious occasion. A ceremonial cake was also cut by the chief guest and others to mark the diamond jubilee celebrations of the commemorative day. While sharing her thoughts, Dr. Marilyn Wyatt has said that 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, she added.

Dr. Wyatt told that USAID is endeavoring to change through its entrepreneurs program in various districts across the country. She said we are creating business and livelihoods prospects for the women. She further said that USAID has already made a significant breakthrough in the economic revival of 7200 conflict affected of people in Swat, of which 60% are women micro-entrepreneurs.

The discussion engaged selected women micro-entrepreneurs from all over Pakistan, along with an interactive session with representatives of academia, women chambers of commerce, media, export promotion bureau and women rights organizations 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 those affected by natural or man-made disasters. 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.