US, Facebook recognise Pakistani women entrepreneurs

The United States Mission to Pakistan, in partnership with Facebook, celebrated International Women’s Day by recognising the achievements of Pakistani women entrepreneurs who received #SheMeansBusiness training through the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) small and medium enterprise activity, read a statement issued on Monday.

It stated that to date, USAID has provided training to 433 Pakistani women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises under the initiative. The #SheMeansBusiness training initiative helps women-led businesses around the world and utilises social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, to boost their online presence and sales.

Through the USAID-Facebook partnership, Facebook Certified Trainers provide free online marketing training and support to women-led businesses that are struggling to market themselves to the right target audience, the statement added.

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“Women entrepreneurs in Pakistan and across the globe are triggering disruptions in the digital ecosystem and making tremendous strides to transform their innovative ideas into practical and profitable businesses and solutions,” said USAID Mission Director Julie Koenen.

Women in Pakistan are extremely talented and have the potential to achieve great success; something we have observed over the years and continue to invest in, said Beth Ann Lim, Director of Facebook’s Asia Pacific Policy Programmes and Government Outreach. “Through the expansion of our #SheMeansBusiness programme in Pakistan, we have designed training that will aid in the promotion of micro or small businesses led by women, especially by those who are based in rural areas,” she added.

During the event, women entrepreneurs who participated in the initiative shared how the training helped them expand their businesses using online platforms. “I am extremely grateful to USAID for enrolling me in this highly effective and engaging workshop,” said Saira Jahan, owner of Moksha Resorts in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2021.