What Inspiring Stories Emerged from the Islamabad Women Gala?

News Desk

Islamabad: The two-day Islamabad Women Gala concluded on Sunday at Lok Virsa, bringing together over 120 women entrepreneurs from across Pakistan.

Organized by Let’s Grow Together, the event provided a much-needed platform for home-based businesswomen to showcase their products, connect with customers, and gain visibility in an increasingly competitive market.

The gala featured a diverse array of locally crafted goods, including handmade jewelry, textiles, organic skincare, artisanal foods, and home decor.

More than just a marketplace, it served as a hub for learning, networking, and community engagement, emphasizing the significance of supporting women-led businesses for sustainable economic growth.

Encouraging Local Support

With the slogan “Buy from Your Own,” the event aimed to encourage consumers to support local entrepreneurs rather than relying on imported goods. Visitors enthusiastically explored high-quality Pakistani products and engaged with the inspiring stories behind these businesses.

Sadia Malik, a visitor at the gala, shared her excitement about the event. “It’s refreshing to see so many women entrepreneurs being recognized. I bought some beautiful handmade jewelry and skincare products, and it feels great to support these hardworking women,” she said.

Beyond shopping, the gala provided a family-friendly atmosphere, featuring a Food Arena with a variety of traditional and fusion cuisines. Interactive workshops and entertainment for children added to the event’s appeal, making it an engaging experience for all attendees.

Need for Long-Term Solutions

While the event was a success, it also highlighted the persistent challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. Ambreen Haider, Founder of Let’s Grow Together, stressed the need for consistent business opportunities.

“These women manage their businesses alongside household responsibilities, yet they lack proper platforms to grow. While events like this provide temporary exposure, they need a permanent space where they can sell their products regularly,” she emphasized.

Haider pointed out that despite their contributions to their families and the national economy, home-based entrepreneurs struggle to sustain their businesses without long-term support. She also highlighted the potential for these businesses to expand globally but noted the barriers preventing them from doing so.

“Right now, international trade is a challenge because even local market visibility is limited to a few events a year. If these women were trained to sell on platforms like Amazon, they could reach a much larger customer base,” she explained.

Government Support Urged

Haider urged the government and policymakers to ease business regulations, provide digital trade support, and create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs. She stressed the importance of training programs that equip women with the skills needed to access e-commerce platforms and international markets.

As the Islamabad Women Gala wrapped up, it left behind a strong message: women entrepreneurs in Pakistan are eager to grow, but they need sustained support to succeed. While events like this provide an important stepping stone, the real impact will come when these businesses receive continuous opportunities to thrive beyond temporary exhibitions.

The gala may have concluded, but the conversation about empowering women entrepreneurs is far from over.