All's well, that ends well..
South Punjab women of chamber and commerce (SPWCCI), was the first chamber, ever created in Pakistan to facilitate female entrepreneurs, on independent grounds. SPWCCI, encompasses a large area of South Punjab. It serves as a common platform for female artisans to businesswomen from Multan, Bahawalpur, Vehari, Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, Rahim Yaar Khan, Muzzafargarh and numerous small towns and villages.
Unfortunately, this chamber had to suffer a litigation case at its onset, by few of its former members, who did not believe in the democratic ways and were not ready to transfer powers to their successors. But finally, the case got resolved. Due to the dauntless leadership of Masooma Sibtain, and constant support of the renowned political and social, female leader Mrs. Farrukh Mukhtar, SPWCCI came out as winner and was proved as the only, lawfully approved women's chamber of this area. This brought back the confidence in members. Also the spirit to work with full zest, inorder to expedite dexterity to the female entrepreneurs of this region.
As a recognition of the efforts made by SPWCCI, two of its members, (former president) Masooma Sibtain and Fariha Munir Shah were invited at two days workshop/symposium of South Asian women's chamber, conducted by CIPE in Lahore.
CIPE , (Center for International Private
Enterprise), is a non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
and one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for
Democracy. CIPE provides management
assistance, practical experience, and financial support to local
organizations to strengthen their capacity to implement democratic and
economic reforms.
It was actually the third in its series of training and networking sessions by CIPE, for a group
of women’s business leaders from across South Asia, but South Punjab women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SPWCCI) had the opportunity to be a part of it for the very first time.
On 18th September, all the participants, women business leaders from Sri-Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, India, alongwith their counterparts from Pakistan- Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore and Multan, checked in at Avari hotel, Lahore. CIPE team, with NED guests, welcomed them with an informal dinner at the open air restaurant at the hotel, they were made to stay at.
From 19th September, the tough 9am to 5pm, training sessions started. Andrew and
, the senior program officers at CIPE, welcomed the participants and invited them to introduce and re-introduce themselves around the table.
Followed by another round of welcome by Wilson Lee and Mona Dave of NED, who also threw some light at the works and contributions made by 'National Endowment for Democracy' (NED) in South Asian region.
Finally, just before the lunch break, outlines and logistics of the sessions were explained by deputy country director of CIPE, Mr. Hammad Siddiqui. This, ultimately had to lead to presentations by the participants, to demonstrate what they had learned from the previous two workshops, held in Dhaka and Khatmandu. Hammad Siddiqui seemed to be the heartthrob of this session, because he had fueled the entrepreneurial passion of these women by suggesting them to speak from their hearts. They followed his instructions sincerely and went on to deliver, best of honest presentations. Masooma Sibtain Shoaib of SPWCCI, was invited to speak first. The session was carried on by Hammad after lunch break till 5pm.
The entire team of the workshop, the participants and the conductors were all invited to attend a formal dinner by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the same evening. The chief guest was, Governor Punjab, Mr. Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar. Who also distributed souvenirs among the CIPE team, along with Mr. Farooq Iftikhar of LCCI. The event was extensively covered by the local press.
The second and final day was, September 20th. More 9am to 5pm sessions, with two tea breaks and a lunch break. Mr. Moin Fudda, lead the first session and the topic was, 'how the board and president can plan effectively for succession'. Later, Mr. Majid Shabbir and Mr. Hammad Siddiqui
lead the participants to some brain storming exercises about 'delegation of responsibility' and the role of 'board committees in the effective delegation of responsibilities'.
Finally, there were closing remarks by Andrew and Marc. Once again, Mr. Hammad Siddiqui was assigned the responsibility to discuss dates and program for the next meeting, which is going to take place in Colombo, in January. Huzaifa Shabbir Hussain , the youngest team member of CIPE (he is only 26 years of age) was also invited to deliver few words about the whole experience.
Following are the names of South Asian, female business leaders, other than members of SPWCCI, who remained a part of these enlightening sessions in Lahore. From Sri Lanka, Saroshi Dubah and the gorgeous Rezani Aziz. Rita Bhandary, Chayya Sharma, from Nepal. Dr. Manju Kalra Prakash from India. Gulshan Chowdary, Selima Ahmed and Sangita Ahmed from Bangladesh. From Bhuttan, the lovely Damchae Dem. Farida Rashid from Islamabad, Shamama Arbab from Peshawar and Aasia Khan from Lahore.
It turned out to be an extremely informative and educational experience for all the participants. They thoroughly admired the efforts of CIPE and its team, their dedication and commitment to their cause. And expressed their desire to apply enthusiastically, what they had learned during these worshops, back at their own organizations. This event also provided South Asian women a chance, to get to know eachother and understand their cultures. So, definitely CIPE is also bringing people from different nations, more closer. Another highly appreciable effort.
Once again, a lot of admiration for CIPE and all its team. And a special thanks to Mr. Hammad Siddiqui
for recognizing SPWCCI, acknowledging its efforts and making it a part of such splendid event.
Welcome dinner for the participants at Avari hotel,
19th September 2013. |
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Comments
May i see in future the women who live in villages running handicraft business or women with other small business but dont have approach to int. markets in such such workshops to representing their business their self and get noticed internationally ?