PESHAWAR: A public-private dialogue on Thursday urged all stakeholders to work together to advance the cause of women entrepreneurs and empower them economically.
The gathering was hosted by Center for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) in collaboration with Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Mardan. The event, organized by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), brought together key stakeholders. Promote inclusive and participatory democracy in the region by empowering women-led businesses and chambers of commerce.
The dialogue focused on strategies and initiatives designed to support women entrepreneurs and small businesses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Project Manager, Khalfan Khattak highlighted CGPA’s commitment to strengthening women chambers of commerce by creating an enabling environment for participatory democracy and credible opportunities for women-led businesses.
Mehwish Ayub, Head of Strategy at National Incubation Center (NIC) Peshawar emphasized the importance of strengthening women entrepreneurship in the province. She spoke about the role of NIC Peshawar in empowering and increasing access to women entrepreneurs.
Mehwish Ayub emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors to address challenges and open up opportunities for women in business. He encouraged women entrepreneurs to take advantage of the initiatives of NIC Peshawar to grow their businesses and achieve greater impact.
Rashid Aman, Provincial Chief, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), discussed the needs of start-ups and SMEs, identifying gaps in the policy and regulatory framework that hinder their growth. He stressed the need for a regulatory framework to promote entrepreneurship and drive sustainable economic growth in the province.
Ambreen Hoti, founder member of WCCI Mardan spoke about the role of women’s chambers in revenue generation at the district level. She outlined the barriers to women-led businesses and the importance of targeted support mechanisms to help overcome these challenges, enabling more women to participate in economic activities with the support of both elected and public administrations. can be enabled.
Ashfaq Masood, Commissioner, Inland Revenue, provided insight into the process and benefits of business registration. He spoke about the procedure and domain of the Federal Board of Revenue in tax collection.
Mardan District Police Officer Zahoor Babar Afridi stressed the importance of integrating women into policing and Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs).
He said that this inclusion is important not only for representation but also for building trust and ensuring access to justice, especially for issues related to women. They pledged to find ways for more women in police services and in the DRCs.
Deputy Commissioner Azmatullah Wazir elaborated on the role of the district administration in enhancing the local business ecosystem under the KP Urban Policy 2030 and the reforms agenda of the Chief Minister.
Facilitation desk for women-led businesses at district level to address economic issues related to women and find peaceful solutions to them. He expressed his commitment to provide WCCI Mardan with an accessible office in government premises for better public visibility and accessibility.
Mardan Mayor Bakhtullah Mayar emphasized the role of local governments under the KP Local Government Act 2019 in promoting business. He highlighted the need for effective collaboration between local governments, district administrations and business chambers to create a sustainable and inclusive economic framework, especially for women and marginalized groups.