Unlocking Digital Empowerment for Women Entrepreneurs

Sabiha Rajpoot

In a bid to bridge the digital gender gap, Sadaffe Abid and her organization embarked on a mission to empower women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. Recognizing the challenges faced by women in accessing digital tools, Sadaffe’s team trained them on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram. The initiative went beyond just digital skills, extending to areas such as mobile wallets, digital safety, password protection, financial literacy, and basic business understanding. The outcome was remarkable, with women experiencing increased additional income, marking a positive stride in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Women Ventures: Bridging the Financial Gap

Karandaaz Pakistan’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs is evident through its flagship initiative, Women Ventures (WV). Launched in 2017, WV not only provides access to finance but also offers crucial business development support services. This program addresses the unique needs of women-led businesses, particularly those in the missing middle category. Shumaila, a representative from Karandaaz Pakistan, emphasizes the comprehensive support WV provides, filling the void left by micro-lending institutions and commercial banks.

Paving the Way Forward for Women Entrepreneurs

Despite challenges, Sadaffe Abid remains optimistic about the future of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. She envisions policymakers building an ecosystem that fosters women’s access to finance, unlocking immense value. Recognizing the importance of economic strength for women to be taken seriously, Sadaffe urges organizations to nurture resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness among women entrepreneurs. The road ahead involves accelerating a positive change in mindset and embracing innovations, such as Fem-tech, to transform various sectors, including menstrual hygiene.