The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to celebrate Women Entrepreneurship Day (WED) on November 19, 2024, with a series of activities taking place across its 16 field offices nationwide. The focal event of the day will be held at SBP Karachi, where the Governor of SBP, Mr. Jameel Ahmad, will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the importance of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan’s economy and the significant contributions they make to the nation’s growth.
Women Entrepreneurship Day is a global initiative aimed at recognizing and supporting women who drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to economic development. This year’s celebration will bring together key stakeholders from banks, non-bank financial institutions, and women’s associations to acknowledge the vital role of women entrepreneurs. It also aims to shed light on the challenges that women often face in accessing finance and business opportunities.
In preparation for the event, SBP has been actively collaborating with various partners since July 2024 to create an enabling environment for women-led businesses. These efforts have included workshops, awareness campaigns, and mentorship programs aimed at educating women entrepreneurs about available financing options and providing them with the necessary guidance to succeed in their business ventures. Through these initiatives, SBP-BSC offices have engaged with over 1,000 women entrepreneurs across the country, offering them valuable resources and support.
The main ceremony in Karachi will serve as a platform to recognize the outstanding achievements of women-led businesses in Pakistan. Awards will be presented in several categories, such as Innovative Leadership, Social Impact, Sustainability Champion, and Resilience. These awards will honor the remarkable accomplishments of women entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact in their respective industries. Additionally, the winners of the Business Idea Competition will be announced, showcasing fresh, innovative ideas from aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Another key highlight of the event will be the recognition of high-performing banks that have demonstrated a consistent commitment to extending loans to female borrowers. This acknowledgment is part of SBP’s broader efforts to encourage financial institutions to address the gender gap in access to finance and promote inclusivity in the business world.
Despite the critical role that women play in driving economic growth, many face significant barriers when it comes to securing funding and business opportunities. Through WED, SBP and its partners aim to inspire and empower more women to pursue entrepreneurship and overcome these challenges. The event is also intended to foster a sense of community among women entrepreneurs and provide them with the tools and connections they need to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.
The SBP’s celebration of Women Entrepreneurship Day underscores its ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting the growth of women-led businesses. By highlighting the achievements of women entrepreneurs and offering platforms for networking and recognition, SBP hopes to encourage more women to step into leadership roles and contribute to Pakistan’s economic development.