Shehzada Alamgir, Bureau Chief, Dawn TV,Daily Dawn
Lahore: Bargad, an organization working for youth development and women’s economic empowerment, organized the annual policy and parliamentarians’ forum under the “My Dream, My Business (MDMB)” project in collaboration with Lahore College for Women University (LCWU). The forum aimed to highlight women’s economic inclusion up to the policy level and involve women entrepreneurs at the grassroots level in decision-making.
The forum was graced by the chief guest Senator Bushra Anjum Butt while the guest of honor was Salma Butt, Special Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Price Control and Commodities Management.
Vice Chancellor, Lahore College for Women University, Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi, Vice Chancellor, Kinnaird College
Iram Anjum, CEO, Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF), Ahmed Khan,
Chairman, Youth Development Foundation (YDF) Shahid Rehmat,
Member, Standing Committee on National Economic Policies and Reforms, FPCCI, Saim Ali Dada and Executive Director, Bargad Sabiha Shaheen were also part of the forum.
Senator Bushra Anjum Butt while addressing the forum said that
“This forum is not just a platform for dialogue but also for practical action. I am happy that Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz has made it clear that women are her red line in Punjab and we are committed to making women’s success possible at every level.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Punjab Salma Butt advised women to adopt a competitive mindset in the market, away from emotions and move forward with real skills.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Uzma Qureshi said that educated women can play a leadership role while balancing domestic and professional responsibilities.
Vice Chancellor Irum Anjum termed women’s leadership, self-confidence and consistency as the keys to success.
Ahmed Khan highlighted the importance of media in the present era and said that if your business is not online, it is as if you are not in the market.
Shahid Rehmat demanded that tax on digital marketing for micro businesses be abolished and the cash cycle be simplified.
Sabiha Shaheen said that the government should include the methodology of the MDMB project in its policies, which includes empowering women at the grassroots level, skill development, resource provision and capacity building.
Saim Ali Dada said that sustainable development is not possible without women’s economic inclusion and it is time for women to be given effective representation in decision-making.
A booklet “My Dream, My Business” was launched at the forum, which included the business struggles and success stories of 19 courageous women from Lahore and Gujranwala. This joint effort of Banjar and Lahore College for Women University was highly appreciated and was termed as an effective example of empowering women through policy making, market access and skills provision.
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