Empowering Women: AJK Government Launches Entrepreneurial Training Initiative
— January 17, 2025
MUZAFFARABAD (AIA) The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through targeted training and support initiatives.
AJK Minister for Small Industries, Ms. Taqdees Gilani, highlighted the government’s efforts during a capacity-building workshop organised by the AJK Small Industries Department in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Government of Pakistan. The workshop, attended by women nominated by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI), AJK, aimed to bolster women’s participation in trade and industry.
Gilani called on the State Bank of Pakistan and other financial institutions to run awareness campaigns about business loan schemes for women, ensuring easier access to these resources.
Additional Chief Secretary Ms. Midhat Shahzad applauded the growing number of women entrepreneurs in Azad Kashmir, noting their shift towards the private sector as a promising trend. Secretary of Commerce and Industry Khalid Mahmood Mirza also commended SMEDA and the State Bank of Pakistan for providing essential training on business registration and related processes.
Managing Director of the Small Industries Department, Zeeshan Arif Raja, assured that similar workshops would be organised across other divisions in Azad Kashmir, in collaboration with WCCI, to further encourage women’s active participation in entrepreneurship.
Dr. Raja Zahid Khan, Secretary of WCCI, thanked the organisers and pledged the chamber’s full support to motivate and assist women in their business endeavours.