The fifth edition of the Women Entrepreneurship Conference (WECON) 2024, titled “Mumkin Hai!” (It’s Possible), was held in Jinnah Auditorium, NUST H12 Islamabad, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore strategies and partnerships for empowering Pakistani women entrepreneurs. Organized by the National Incubation Center Islamabad and Change Mechanics Pvt Ltd., WECON 2024 convened industry leaders, policymakers, regulatory authorities, and key stakeholders from both public and private sectors to highlight and strengthen support for women entrepreneurs across Pakistan.
The theme, “Mumkin Hai!” emphasized the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change in the lives of millions of women. Esteemed institutions including the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Pakistan Single Window, GSMA, NAVTTC, NIBAF, Ignite Technology Fund, TiE Islamabad, Invest2Innovate, British Asian Trust, and various UN agencies participated in discussions focused on building a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Supporting partners such as The World Bank Group, Jazz, CARE Pakistan and Ignite National Technology Fund demonstrated their commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment through digital literacy and financial inclusion.
As the Chief Guest, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, underscored the pivotal role of Pakistani women entrepreneurs in shaping the digital economy and urged for continued support through targeted interventions and initiatives to harness the potential of Pakistan’s youth. Highlighting the critical role of women in nation-building, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said, “Our young women are not just excelling in startups but are making strides in science and technology globally.” He shared examples from Narowal University, where female students form a significant majority, demonstrating the power of education in transforming lives and bridging gender gaps.
The event featured three insightful panel discussions that addressed critical areas for growth: enhancing Digital Public Services, fostering Reskilling and Upskilling initiatives, and evolving the broader entrepreneurial Ecosystem. Additionally, the SECP presented a policy paper, underscoring regulatory frameworks to support women entrepreneurs and encourage sustainable business practices.
The panels and speaker sessions at WECON 2024 featured prominent leaders from diverse sectors. Esteemed speakers included Rizwan Riaz (Pro Rector Research Innovation and Commercialization, NUST), Atifa Asghar (Public Policy Consultant, Tencent Games), Khalida Habib (Executive Director, SECP), Athar Fahim (CSO, Pakistan Single Window), Claire Louise Sterngold (Market Engagement Manager, GSMA), Gulmina Bilal (Chairperson, NAVTTC) Dr. Henna Karamat (Director International Cooperation, NAVTTC), Bilal Abbasi (General Manager, Ignite National Technology Fund), Syed Sajid Ali (Director Learning and Development, NIBAF), Kiran Afzal (Senior Private Sector Specialist, The World Bank Group), Sumera Abbasi (Executive Director, TiE Islamabad), Gull Sadia (Assistant Country Director, CARE), Nazia Bilal (Senior Officer for Programs, British Asian Trust), Merai Syed (Director of Strategy and Growth, Invest2Innovate), Fatima Akhtar (Head of Communications and ESG, Jazz), and Amina Aziz (Director Lending and Private Fund, SECP). Their collective expertise highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in fostering a robust, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
WECON 2024 also provided an inspiring platform for startup founders, showcasing innovative pitches from non-conventional sectors such as Tourism, AI and Sustainability, that highlighted the potential for women to lead diverse industries. The conference concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Sayyed Ahmad Masud, Project Director at the National Incubation Center Islamabad, who outlined a forward-looking roadmap to build a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.
About WECON:
WECON has established itself as a premier platform in Pakistan dedicated to advancing women’s entrepreneurship through strategic opportunities in collaboration, skill development, and networking. Over the past seven years, the WECON initiative has empowered more than 5,000 women entrepreneurs nationwide, equipping them with substantial resources and avenues for growth. As the movement continues to expand, WECON remains steadfast in its mission to provide meaningful support to women across Pakistan, furthering their role in driving economic and social impact.
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