The Center for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), in collaboration with the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Lower Dir), organized a Public-Private Dialogue (PPD). This event was held with funding support from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), focusing on promoting inclusive and participatory democracy at the provincial and national levels by strengthening women-led businesses and chambers.
During the event, strategies and initiatives were discussed to support women entrepreneurs and small businesses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project manager, Mr. Khilaf Khan Khattak, highlighted CGPA’s ongoing efforts to empower women’s chambers of commerce. He emphasized the importance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Urban Policy 2030 in creating opportunities for women-led businesses. Syed Noor Alam Bacha, the group leader of the Lower Dir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announced plans for establishing an office for the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and organizing expos to showcase handmade products created by women. He stressed the need to provide skilled women with support on all platforms, including loans on easy installments, as progress in any field is not possible without the participation of women.
The chief guest, Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan, Special Assistant to the Department of Population Welfare, addressed the audience, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legislation at the provincial level to address women’s business issues and rights. He stated that such measures would not only benefit women’s chambers but also positively impact the business rights of youth, especially women and minorities. He assured full support and cooperation from the district administration and promised to advocate for policy reforms on the assembly floor to resolve the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and chambers. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating with women’s chambers to organize a successful expo in Lower Dir soon.Ms. Shahizat, Senior Vice President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lower Dir, highlighted the role of women’s chambers at the district level. She discussed the obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs and emphasized the need for specific support mechanisms and dedicated spaces for women-led businesses.Additional Deputy Commissioner Bashir Khan announced the provision of an official space for women’s chambers at the earliest and elaborated on the Chief Minister’s district-level reform agenda and Urban Policy 2030. He outlined comprehensive measures, including establishing separate business hubs and organizing business exhibitions for women.
SP Investigation Rashid Ahmed emphasized the inclusion of women in the police force and their representation in Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs). He assured the protection of their fundamental human, social, and economic rights and highlighted the importance of women’s participation in police services.At the conclusion of the event, participants called for collective efforts and the utilization of resources to promote women-led businesses and enhance their capacity.
