Active Network for Community Reporters

22/01/2025

Akhuwat program, economic opportunity for marginalized groups, SACM Abdul karim

Speakers Highlight the Need for Legislative Reforms to Empower Women, CGPA
ABDUL BASEER QALANDAR
Peshawar, Wednesday,
22 January 2025
During a productive Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) jointly hosted by the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) and the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) in Peshawar, speakers highlighted the urgent need for legislative reforms aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Supported by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including women entrepreneurs, government officials, industry leaders, representatives from organizations such as SMEDA, FBR, KPRA, the Economic Development Unit, CSOs, and the media. Participants highlighted the critical barriers women-led businesses face in accessing finance, navigating regulatory frameworks, and competing in male-dominated markets.
Mr. Khalfan Khattak, Program Manager, highlighted CGPA's unwavering commitment to empowering women’s chambers of commerce and emphasized the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem that not only fosters participatory democracy but also unlocks sustainable opportunities for women-led enterprises at the provincial level. Mr. Khattak said that CGPA believes in bridging the divide between policy and practice and is working to ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the necessary tools, networks, and platforms that can drive economic transformation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Abdul Karim, Chief Guest of the event Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Industries, emphasized the transformative potential of the government's initiatives and the pivotal role of the Ministry of Industries, Commerce, and Technical Education in driving the economic growth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He underscored the critical need to foster a business environment that is both inclusive and supportive, particularly for women entrepreneurs, who serve as vital contributors to the province's socio-economic advancement.
Mr. Abdul Karim encouraged the Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) to devise a comprehensive agenda that aligns with government initiatives. Such an agenda could serve as the basis for future discussions aimed at bolstering the role of women-led enterprises in the region.
Highlighting the importance of diversification, he urged women entrepreneurs to explore opportunities beyond traditional domains like embroidery and stitching, promoting innovation and broadening the spectrum of women-led businesses.
He further stressed the necessity of proper documentation for businesses, emphasizing that documentation is a fundamental requirement for accessing cluster loans and securing financial support, which are vital for business sustainability and growth.
Addressing inclusivity, Mr. Abdul Karim brought attention to the Social Welfare Department's loan programs under Akhuwat. These programs are specifically designed to support marginalized groups, including the transgender and differently-abled communities, ensuring that economic opportunities reach every segment of society.
Talking in the panel Ms. Qurat Ul Ain CEO (AIN) consultancy emphasized the crucial role of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) in being an integral part of policy making rather than merely participating in consultations. She pointed out several significant challenges that women entrepreneurs face, including a lack of awareness, insufficient capacity building, limited access to grants, and inadequate documentation of businesses. She further highlighted the cultural barriers that hinder women's progress in entrepreneurship. To address this, Ms. Qurat proposed that women entrepreneurs should be celebrated as role models within the community, inspiring others to follow suit.
Ms. Rabia Basri, president of WCCI Peshawar, spoke about how important women’s chambers are for boosting local revenue. She emphasized that government support and grants are essential for the chamber to remain stable and effectively support women-led businesses.
Mr. Rashid Aman, the Provincial Chief (SMEDA), while talking on the occasion, highlighted the main needs of start-ups and small businesses and associated barriers. He highlighted issues in the rules and policies that make it difficult for them to grow. He urged women entrepreneurs to take advantage of the IHSAAS JAWAN program to help expand their businesses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.
In her address, Ms.Mahvish Ayub head of strategy NIC, emphasized the pivotal role NIC Peshawar plays in fostering collaboration among startups, investors, and the local government. She stressed the importance of educating local investors to bridge the gap between innovation and sustainable growth, alongside advocating for stronger public-private partnerships.
During a panel discussion, representatives from the FBR and KPRA stressed the importance of effective tax collection for economic growth and encouraged women entrepreneurs to register their businesses with the FBR to access various benefits.
Assistant Commissioner, while representing district administration Ayesha Tahir highlighted the need for increased awareness of rules and proposed enhancing protections for women in business environments, such as expos and Sunday bazaars. She suggested implementing police protection and establishing dedicated harassment desks to create a safer and more supportive atmosphere for women entrepreneurs.

Directorate General Information & PRs, KP VOA Pashto VOA Deewa - وي.او.اې ډيوه BBC Pashto BBC URDU DW پښتو Independent Urdu USAID Pakistan HUM News Human Rights Watch

03/12/2024

د نن اهم خبرونه

28/11/2024

وفاقی کابینہ کی اکثریت نے خیبرپختونخوا میں گورنر راج کے نفاذ کی حمایت کر دی
حکومتی ذرائع کا کہنا ہے کہ حکومت نے فیصلہ کیا ہے کہ سیاسی اتحادی اور سٹیک ہولڈرز کو اعتماد میں لے کر گورنر راج سے متعلق حتمی فیصلہ کیا جائے۔

ذرائع کے مطابق حکومت کا کہنا ہے کہ پیپلزپارٹی، اے این پی اور جمہوری وطن پارٹی سے مشاورت کی جائے

28/11/2024

Speakers Advocates for Strengthening Women's Economic Empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abdul Baseer Qalandar

Mardan,

The Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) in collaboration with women chambers of commerce and industries (WCCI Mardan) successfully hosted the Public-Private Dialogue (PPD), as part of the "Supporting Private Sector to Keep Critical Civic Space Open in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa" project. Funded by the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the event brought together key stakeholders to foster inclusive and participatory democracy in the region by empowering women-led businesses and chambers of commerce.

The dialogue addressed strategies and initiatives designed to support women entrepreneurs and small businesses across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Project Manager Mr. Khalfan Khattak highlighted CGPA's commitment to strengthening women’s chambers of commerce by creating an enabling environment for participatory democracy and reliable opportunities for women-led businesses.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Mahvish Ayub, Head of Strategy at the National Incubation Center (NIC) Peshawar, emphasized the importance of strengthening women’s businesses in the province. She highlighted the vital role NIC Peshawar has played in enhancing capacity building and outreach for women entrepreneurs.

"NIC Peshawar is committed to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed," said Ms. Ayub. "Through strategic partnerships and tailored capacity-building initiatives, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports the growth of women-led businesses and fosters long-term economic empowerment."

Ms. Ayub also underscored the significance of collaboration between private and public sectors to address challenges and unlock opportunities for women in business. She encouraged women entrepreneurs to leverage NIC Peshawar’s initiatives to scale their ventures and achieve greater impact.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Rashid Aman, Provincial Chief of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), discussed the critical needs of start-ups and SMEs, identifying gaps in policy and regulatory frameworks that hinder their growth. He emphasized the necessity of a robust regulatory framework to nurture entrepreneurship and drive sustainable economic development in the province.
Ms. Ambareen Huti, Founder Member of WCCI Mardan, spoke about the vital role of women chambers in revenue generation at the district level. She outlined the barriers women-led businesses face and the importance of targeted support mechanisms to help overcome these challenges, enabling more women to participate in economic activities with the support of both elected and public administration.
Providing insights into the processes and benefits of business registration, Mr. Ashfaq Masood, Commissioner Inland Revenue, detailed the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) procedures and domain in tax collection. He explained the current FBR policy and steps to streamline the registration process, emphasizing the benefits it offers women entrepreneurs in accessing markets and financial resources both at federal and provincial level.
District Police Officer Mardan, Mr. Zahoor Babar Afridi, stressed the importance of integrating women into policing and Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs). He noted that this inclusion is crucial not only for representation but also for fostering trust and ensuring access to justice, particularly for women-related issues currently facing the community. He also pledged to explore avenues for more women in police services and DRCs.
Deputy Commissioner Azmat Ullah Wazir while talking in the event elaborated on the role of district administration in enhancing local business ecosystems under the KP Urban Policy 2030 and Chief Minister reforms agenda. He pledged support to create workable spaces and to establish women's facilitation desk for women-led businesses at the district level to resolve and find out amicable solutions for women-related economic issues. He also showed his commitment to providing accessible office in the government premises to women's chamber Mardan for better public visibility and outreach.
Mayor of City Local Government, Himayat Ullah Mayar, emphasized the role of local governments under the KP Local Government Act 2019 in promoting businesses. He highlighted the need for effective collaboration among local governments, district administration, and business chambers to create a sustainable and inclusive economic framework, particularly for women and marginalized groups.
The event concluded with a collective call to action, urging all stakeholders to work together to advance the cause of women entrepreneurs and promote economic inclusivity. This dialogue under CIPE funded reaffirmed CGPA's dedication to fostering good governance, civic and business spaces, and equal opportunities for a prosperous and equitable Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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27/11/2024

علی امین گنڈا پور اسلام آباد سے واپسی کے بعد بشری بی بی کے ساتھ مانسہرہ پہنچ گئے، سپیکر خیبر پختونخوا اسمبلی کے ہمراہ سرکٹ ہاؤس مانسہرہ میں کارکنوں سے خطاب کر رہے ہیں آئے دیکھتے ہیں

ہمارا دھرنا جاری ہے ، علی امین گنڈا پور

27/11/2024

26/11/2024

Funy movement in PTI protest