A seminar on 'Importance of Female Entrepreneurship in Pakistan' hosted by Islamabad College of Home Economics and Management Sciences and Islamabad Model College for Girls, F-7/2, was held here Thursday. Conducting the seminar, CEO of Vector Partners (Pvt) Limited Saud Masud said given the socioeconomic challenges faced by the women, the dynamic and exciting opportunity modern day entrepreneurship may offer them is to secure themselves and their families while contributing to their communities and the country.

Masud suggested the attendees on undertaking a dual approach towards entrepreneurship readiness by acquiring both the technical and life skills. After the seminar, it was particularly encouraging to see dozens of young inspiring and practicing entrepreneurs showing interest in gaining further practical skills and seeking mentorship advice.

The seminar was attended by more than 400 female students and it created awareness around the rapid change in the business environment globally creating space for women to start home-based businesses and engage in freelancing work online. Women with 101 million population make 49 percent of total population of Pakistan but they have around 25 percent labour force participation. Furthermore, women are only represented in 3 percent of leadership and 22 percent of professional roles and have twice the unemployment rate as compared to men.

These statistics can change for the better only if there is a collective awareness and skill development campaign across the country. It is the need of the hour to recognize women as a critical pillar of future and not strictly and narrowly limit their roles to 'kids and kitchens'.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017