'Women entrepreneurship vital to benefit economy, society'

"Women entrepreneurship is essential to benefit the economy and society as no economy and society can ever progress if its women don't progress" Dr Umar Saif, Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) said while discussing the entrepreneurial culture in Pakistan along with the role and importance of women in the workforce, on opening of graduation ceremony of project 'Herself'. He appreciated the efforts of all women who contributed in making the cycle a success and encouraged them to fly high in the future.
In only six months, the program 'Herself' empowered more than 100 women by providing them entrepreneurial and pre-incubation training by professional trainers, enabling them to become successful entrepreneurs. On the completion of the second cycle which took off in November, 'Herself' organised a Graduation Ceremony for their second cohort comprising of 60 passionate women.
'Herself' is a program; is designed to empower every woman in Pakistan by enlightening her about opportunities waiting in the technical sector. It was initiated by the entrepreneurship wing of Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). Its vision is to increase the number of women in the workforce by providing them the right guidance.
The program provides a series of training sessions ranging from soft skills such as personal development, communications and presentation skills to technical and business skills. These include photography, graphic designing, web-development and on the entrepreneurial side skills such as project management, operation handling, managing finances, marketing, sales, blogging etc are taught.
Some inspirational women were invited for the event including Angela Braid, Co-Founder Polly and Other Stories, Anoosha Shaigan, Vice President Courting the Law and Ms. Sadaff Abid, Co-Founder CIRCLE. They joined the event for a panel discussion on 'The importance of tech in a woman's life' moderated by Zainab Tariq.
A Business Idea Competition was also held among three trainees of the second cohort in whom each of them presented their own business idea. This was judged by the panellists who declared Team-Up, the idea of Sayyada Huda, the best. Team-Up is a platform where every sportsperson can make a team online and play whenever he/she wants.
In his closing speech, Director Entrepreneurship, PITB, Nabeel A. Qadeer said "Our nation cannot progress without the women participating for the greater good of Pakistan. Believing in them and providing them the right guidance will not only set them on the path to success but also bring benefit to Pakistan's economy. 'Herself' is set to achieve the same."-PR