PSW, in collaboration with Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), recently organized an interactive consultative session in Lahore as part of Phase 2 of the WTO Award-winning Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program. The session brought together over 80 participants from diverse women-led businesses across the country, creating a vibrant environment for dialogue and knowledge exchange. By facilitating direct engagement between entrepreneurs, the program aimed to strengthen capacities in export readiness, cross-border e-commerce, international branding, and market access.
The session was designed as a dynamic platform for participants to openly discuss challenges, share best practices, and collaboratively develop actionable solutions to overcome barriers in international trade. Entrepreneurs engaged in discussions about leveraging digital platforms, enhancing brand visibility, and navigating complex global trade processes. PSW also highlighted its Tradeverse – the Trade Information Portal of Pakistan (TIPP) – as a critical resource to identify emerging international opportunities and track market trends, enabling participants to make informed strategic decisions.
Through the Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program, PSW continues to emphasize inclusive trade and the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs. The initiative not only provides technical guidance but also amplifies women’s voices in shaping trade-related policies and practices. By focusing on practical skills, networking, and access to international markets, the program aims to create sustainable economic impact while addressing systemic barriers faced by women-led businesses in Pakistan.
Participants at the Lahore session explored the intersection of technology and trade, recognizing the importance of digital tools in scaling operations and reaching international buyers. Sessions included practical demonstrations, case studies, and strategy discussions that encouraged hands-on learning and peer-to-peer mentoring. Entrepreneurs expressed enthusiasm about integrating Tradeverse and other digital resources into their business models to increase efficiency, expand market reach, and remain competitive in global supply chains.
PSW’s ongoing collaboration with PIFD under the Khadijah Program reflects a broader commitment to building an ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can thrive. By connecting participants with policymakers, trade experts, and mentors, the program supports sustainable growth, drives innovation, and fosters resilience in women-led enterprises. The initiative also underscores Pakistan’s focus on gender-inclusive trade policies and its efforts to strengthen the contribution of women to national economic development.
The Lahore session demonstrated the potential of programs like Khadijah to empower women with actionable insights, practical tools, and a supportive network. By combining skill-building, market intelligence, and policy engagement, PSW and PIFD are creating a replicable model for inclusive trade that equips women entrepreneurs to compete effectively on a global scale. With such initiatives, women-led businesses are increasingly positioned to contribute to Pakistan’s trade growth, innovation capacity, and economic diversification.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
