LAHORE:Experts have emphasised women in Pakistan continue to face major challenges in entrepreneurship, access to financial resources, safe transportation, and workplace security.
They observed although commitments were made in the national budget, promised outcomes have yet to be fully realised. While women's educational attainment is steadily improving, employment opportunities have not expanded at the same pace.
They also welcomed government's introduction of Pakistan's first National Women Entrepreneurship Policy 2025, aimed at increasing number of women entrepreneurs, boosting exports, and improving access to financial support.
These views were expressed at Laurels Awards Ceremony, organised by Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (Jang Group of Newspapers) in collaboration with Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI).
The chief guest was Shaista Parvez Malik, while Falahat Imran, President of WCCI, delivered the welcome address. Other participants included Senior Vice President Faiza Nabeel, Vice President Dr Raheela Akhtar, Qaisra Sheikh, and Professor Meera Phelps.
The event was hosted by Wasif Nagi, Chairman of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society.Addressing the gathering, Shaista Parvez Malik said government had allocated Rs 291 billion (6.9pc) under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025–26 for gender-focused initiatives. However, she noted practical outcomes envisioned in the budget have yet to materialise.
Citing data from Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, she said women's labour force participation stands at only 16.3pc, compared to 49.2pc for men. She described it as alarming that although women's educational levels are rising, employment opportunities are not keeping pace.
Nearly 24pc of women holding Master's, MPhil, and PhD degrees remain unemployed, reflecting weaknesses in policy implementation and governance.She pointed out women continue to encounter barriers in business, access to finance, safe mobility, and workplace protection. Only 1pc of entrepreneurs in Pakistan are women, women-owned businesses receive just 3.2pc of SME loans, and only 8pc of SMEs are owned by women.
In addition, 92.7pc of women lack access to formal financial services.Welcoming the launch of National Women Entrepreneurship Policy 2025, she said its objectives are to increase number of women entrepreneurs, expand exports, and improve financial inclusion. She stressed next priority is effective implementation and accountability.
She highlighted digital economy is creating new opportunities for women. Around 51pc of income generated by women-led businesses now comes from online sales, demonstrating supportive policies and improved access to resources can significantly strengthen women's economic empowerment.
Dr Shehla Javed Akram said around 24 women from different business sectors were being honoured with awards. She explained members apply in their respective categories after evaluating their own achievements, and their performance is then carefully assessed. The purpose of the awards, she said, is not only to recognise success but also to encourage self-assessment, healthy competition, and professional growth. She emphasised every member has the potential to receive an award by identifying and effectively presenting her strengths.
She added such awards enhance national and international recognition of women entrepreneurs, promote their businesses, and showcase Pakistan's successful women-led enterprises.
Falahat Imran, President of Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Tonight is not just an awards ceremony. Laurels 2025–2026 is our promise: We see you. We respect you. We empower you. These honours are dedicated to women who transformed challenges into successful companies and turned kitchens into boardrooms”.
Faiza Nabeel stated: “At WCCI, we believe when you empower one woman entrepreneur, you uplift an entire family and, ultimately, a whole community”.
Dr Raheela Akhtar remarked: “Women-led SMEs contribute billions to our economy, yet fewer than 20pc have access to formal recognition or credit. Every award recipient has created jobs, paid taxes, mentored others, and proudly exported Pakistani products. By honouring these women, we are investing in GDP growth. Pakistan's future belongs to both men and women, and today we celebrate both”.
Qaisra Sheikh said: “This year's Laurels recognise excellence across diverse sectors, including Startup of the Year, Export Excellence, Agritech Innovator, Social Impact Leader, Young Entrepreneur, Woman in Tech, and Lifetime Achievement. Every name announced tonight represents sleepless nights, rejected loans, broken supply chains, and, above all, perseverance. These are not just business stories, they are Pakistan's stories”.
Professor Meera Phelps addressed the award recipients, saying: “These trophies are valuable not because of the metal they are made from, but because of what they represent. They acknowledge that your sacrifices, risks, and hard work matter. After tonight, don't settle — grow your businesses, hire more women, mentor at least three young girls this year. You are now role models, so continue to raise the standard”.
Concluding the ceremony, Wasif Nagi said: “Awards have little meaning if they do not open doors. Women entrepreneurs need access to credit, not just certificates; market opportunities, not just photographs”.
