Women set up stalls at Peshawar Services Club. PHOTOS: EXPRESS
Handicrafts made by women from various cities across Pakistan were put on display.
The event has been organised by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event provided an opportunity to women from across the country, especially from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, to come forward, and exhibit their craft and talent.
Women from various parts of the province like Mansehra, Gilgit, Chitral, Peshawar, Bannu and DI Khan are participating in the event. However, the first day also saw women from cities like Karachi, Lahore and others exhibiting their handicrafts.
At least 68 stalls were set up wherein many cultural and creative products were put on display and for sale. The products included handicrafts made for daily use and decoration such as wall-hangings. They also included clothes and jewellery.
A large number of people attended the event.
“I am so excited. All these handicrafts are beautiful,” Rafia, a visitor, said. “Next time, I will also participate in the fair and bring my homemade products,” another visitor said.
Husna Bibi from Balochistan also participated in the exhibition and put up a stall of Baloch cultural dresses.
“I was nervous as I am exhibiting my handicrafts for the first time,” she said. “In our area, women are talented but we have no contact with entrepreneurs.”
Bano, another entrepreneur from Peshawar, told The Express Tribune, “I cannot set up my own business in a shop as the environment and the society we live in does not allow us to do so.”
She added, “Such events help women to establish contacts and make a network so as to market their handicrafts in an efficient manner.”
Accompanied by Minister for Mines and Mineral Development Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli, the trade expo was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pervez Khattak. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Zulfiqar Ali Khan, WCCI Peshawar President Nasira Lughmani and other officials attended the inaugural function.
“We have designed this event to promote women entrepreneurs of the province,” TDAP Director Noman Bashir said. He also demanded a display centre so as to help TDAP arrange as many exhibitions of such kind as possible.
Lughmani said, “Women can excel in any field but they need a conducive environment to showcase and promote their talents.” she said, adding WCCI is working with women on the issue. While speaking at the opening ceremony, CM Khattak said his government was taking all possible steps to empower women.
“Women play a vital role in the economic development of the country and the provincial government is working to ensure they get equal opportunities to shine in their respective fields.”
The CM also announced Rs5 million in funds to promote technical education and vocational training among women in the province. “This is only the seed money. The amount will increase gradually,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 5th, 2016.
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