WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN PAKISTAN

The women economic development in Pakistan has been quite ignored and over the years most of
the programs/ interventions have been directed towards removing violence against women,
women’s primary education and health care, women crisis centers and most recently a rigorous
drive on political empowerment of women by giving them 20% representation in the National
Assembly of Pakistan. Despite governmental commitment and donors efforts to reduce gender
inequalities, nothing has been done with regards to developing proper women economic action
plan to uplift women socio-economic status. On ad hoc basis, some common facility centers and
vocational/technical training institutes to enhance female participation rate have been established
which provide traditional skills. On the other hand, to mobilize youth energy into economic
sectors, government has launched internship programs and other incentives yet its impact on the
grass root level is not visible due to lack of information and knowledge to young females regarding
these facilities. The result is that many girls become confined to their homes.
Looking at the demand side, during 2000-2005, a large group of urban based educated women
proactively, knocked different government department doors for enterprise development
facilitation. But none of these organizations were able to cater their specialized needs such as;

• Offices on affordable rents

• Display areas
• Specialized training programs to improve employability of females through diversification in
professional skills
• Direct guidance and support to young and creative potential female entrepreneurs
• Building strong network of Women Business
• Information on business documentation

Collectively as well as independently, these intermediary organizations have facilitated on peace

meal basis. However, there was a need for holistic program for enterprise and leadership
development of women in Pakistan to enhance their potential and facilitate in their endeavors.
Hence, SMEDA stepped in to support the development of this marginalized segment of economic
enterprise. SMEDA immediately, reached out to businesswomen nationwide through its helpdesks
at key business towns around Pakistan. SMEDA reported that Interaction with Women
Entrepreneurs (WEs) at various platforms clearly indicates that lack of business management
skills, information gaps and lack of networking are major impediments in the development of
women led businesses in Pakistan. It is in this background, different intervention/ projects are
being undertaken by SMEDA, independently as well as with local/ international partners for
complementing each other’s efforts in reaching out for Women Entrepreneurs in Pakistan. The
main activities include:
Women Business Development Center (WBDCs): As per the demand of WEs, the WBDCs at
Karachi, Quetta and Swat are in process of establishment which will be opening within 2012.
Owing to the success and growing demand of WBIC, a proposal for opening new centers across
Pakistan including AJK and GB on similar lines has been submitted to government of Pakistan for
approval of funding. The objective is so to give equal opportunity to educated house-wives and
young girls in other regions for setting up a successful business in a flexible working arrangement
that fits well with their role as women. WBICs Clients are women from diverse backgrounds
reflecting multi-faceted nature of Women Businesses are its Clients. Especially WEs dealing in
manufacturing, trading or services sector (excluding clinical doctors, dentists, lawyers and NGOs)
stand to gain the most from this facility. Of course there are flexibility to accommodate novel
business ideas, mooted by Women Entrepreneurs (WEs).
Capacity Building Program for South Punjab: SMEDA’s WED Cell during 2011-12 designed
a program for capacity building of WEs of South Punjab with consultation of chambers members.
The program included, training program titled “Enhancing Exhibition Skills”, in which 50 WEs
participated. Also provided sponsorship to 20 WEs at Islamabad Expo 2012. Moreover, organized
market exposure visit to 16 WEs at Lahore.

Pre-feasibility Studies: Over 180 pre-feasibility studies prepared to assist the start-up and these
studies are easily downloadable from SMEDA’s website (www.smeda.org.pk). WE oriented
studies are Day Care Center, High School, Montessori School, Internet Café, Private Hospital,
Medical Transcription, Boutique, Flower Shop, Wooden Furniture Workshop, Beauty Clinic, and
many more.

Opportunity in Exhibitions: SMEDA in collaboration with partner organizations have sponsored

over 120 Women Entrepreneurs in different local exhibitions and 5 ladies went to SME
Technology Fair, 2009 Mauritius.

Marketing Assistance: SMEDA provides advisory services to WEs to develop proper marketing
plans, export documentation, labeling, proper brochure & website development along with
registration of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Copyrights.

Business Plan Development: SMEDA develops customized and demand driven business plans
for entrepreneurs.

Facilitation for Financing: SMEDA has signed MoU with First Women Bank Limited (FWBL)
to provide financial assistance on priority basis to WEs having adequate work experience in their
line of business. Moreover, SMEDA offers advisory services assistance for securing finance/credit
from various financial institutions. Side by side provide advice on financial cycle management,
inventory management, and efficient production management.

Training programs for Entrepreneurship Development: Conducts training programs across

Pakistan covering management, technical and skill development training sessions, in which more
than 300 ladies have already participated.

Technical Assistance: provide information to WEs on latest technology innovations as well as

industry based machinery and tools requirements. Moreover, for energy efficiency management,
special team provide hands-on-support.

Industry Academia Linkages: SMEDA has built a close liaison with different universities gender
studies department for conducting need based activities such as “Entrepreneurship Courses &
Seminars”, Internship with WEs, exposure visits to Chambers & Industrial clusters, and meeting
with Women Role Models.