President FWBL to inaugurate largest women expo of Pakistan

Lahore: Preparations are underway to hold a two-day Islamabad Expo 2013, the largest women’s exhibition in Pakistan, under the auspicious of Islamabad Women Chamber of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI).

Samina Fazil, founder president IWCCI and organiser of the expo said that the event titled, “Empowering Women Through Trade and Industry” will be held on April 13 and 14 which will be inaugurated by Shafqat Sultana, President First Women Bank Limited.

Speaking to women entrepreneurs, she informed that apart from workshops and seminars, successful businesswomen will share their stories while twelve universities and fifteen ambassadors will also participate in the expo.

Samina said that our sponsors include Khushalibank Limited, UNIDO, SMEDA etc which are helping to promote and empower women entrepreneurs.

The exhibition would attract large number of women from all over the country and abroad which will provide them an opportunity to display their products including handicrafts and jewellery.

She said the mission and focus of Islamabad Expo 2013 would enable skilled women to promote their products to retailers, wholesalers and distributors.

We will also focus on comparing women entrepreneurs, helping them discovering new opportunities, get encouraged, collaborate, network, promotion and provide guidance.

At the occasion, Naima Ansari, Chairperson IWCCI Standing Committee on Fairs and Exhibitions said that our creative industry is lagging behind other sectors.

She noted that women leaders have more consultative and nurturing approach but not enough of them made it to the top because lack of a welcoming environment.

She called for more government-backed initiatives to ensure diversity and removal of barriers in different sectors for wider female representation.

Islamabad expo 2013 will be a great learning, shopping, entertainment experience and an opportunity to women from different backgrounds to share their work and goals towards a prosperous future, she said.

This will be an opening for women dealing in handmade garments, arts and crafts, home decor, marble mosaic and inlay, gems and jewellery, furniture, stones and decoration pieces, wallets, mobile covers, and foods representing every part and culture of Pakistan.

Naima Ansari said that enabling women to market their products and help them learn, discover prospects, get connected and show their talent is our goal.

We will continue efforts to help women attain economic freedom through different empowerment initiatives, said Naima Ansari.