Background: The Need for Women Entrepreneurship in Pakistan
In today’s competitive world, women entrepreneurship and empowerment play a vital role in the socio-economic uplift of developing nations like Pakistan. Women make up approximately 48% of Pakistan’s total population, yet their participation in the workforce remains low—only 19–20%. According to the Labour Force Survey of Pakistan 2005-06, female contribution in agriculture is around 13.4%, while only 6% are engaged in the non-agriculture sector (formal: 2%, informal: 4%).
This gap reveals a massive untapped potential for women in sectors like:
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Light manufacturing (garments, leather products)
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Home textiles
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Service industries
These sectors offer great opportunities to promote women entrepreneurship, especially in rural areas.
🚀 WEDS – Multan Chapter: A Step Towards Progress
To boost women entrepreneurship in Southern Punjab, the National Productivity Organization (NPO) introduced the Women Entrepreneurship Development System (WEDS). This initiative aims to help home-based women entrepreneurs transition to full-scale commercial ventures.
The WEDS Multan chapter was successfully launched, housing 10 enterprising women. Due to the overwhelming response and increasing demand, a larger center is now being planned to support more women in the region.
🎯 Purpose of WEDS: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs (WEs)
The core purpose of WEDS is to:
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Facilitate women entrepreneurs from rural areas
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Provide a gender-exclusive business environment
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Offer furnished offices, training programs, marketing and product design support
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Operate under a Public-Private Partnership model
🌐 Future Plans: Expansion Across Punjab
Recognizing the potential of women entrepreneurship, the next goal is to:
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Establish a WEDS Headquarters in Lahore
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Set up regional WEDS centers in Multan, Rajanpur, and Muzaffargarh
This expansion will allow rural women to market their products directly, bypassing middlemen, and earning maximum profit.
🔧 Key Components of WEDS – One-Stop Hub for Women Entrepreneurs
🏢 Executive Style Furnished Offices
WEDS offers 25 air-conditioned, furnished offices equipped with:
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Internet connectivity
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Phone lines
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Professional, safe, and affordable working environment
Perfect for women aiming to launch or scale their businesses.
🛍️ Display Centre
A dedicated space where women can display their products for up to one month at nominal rates.
Benefits include:
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Exposure to potential buyers
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Market trend guidance
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Product quality improvement advice
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Price tagging and positioning support
💼 Business Development & Counseling Services
Experienced consultants will conduct one-on-one business counseling sessions covering topics like:
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Business planning
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Startup and financial assistance
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Marketing strategies
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Export guidance
📚 Training Centre for Capacity Building
Regular training programs, workshops, and seminars will be held on business-related topics to help women:
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Start from scratch
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Build advanced business knowledge
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Stay updated on business trends and events
💰 Microfinance Facility
WEDS will also offer microfinance support to help WEs grow their ventures with ease.
🧩 Additional Facilities
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Meeting Rooms
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Training Rooms
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ICT Access (Fax, Photocopier, Wireless Internet, Computers)
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Reception Area
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Cafeteria
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Janitorial Services
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Newspapers & Magazines
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Secure and peaceful environment
🎯 Expected Results of WEDS Initiative
The Women Entrepreneurship Development System aims to:
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Reduce the shortage of skilled women entrepreneurs in Southern Punjab
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Enhance competitiveness of women-led businesses
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Promote quality and innovation in women-led ventures
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Establish a self-sustaining model for women entrepreneurship support
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Create continuous regional business engagement through modern facilities
✅ Conclusion: A Bright Future for Women Entrepreneurs
WEDS is not just a platform—it’s a movement to uplift women across Pakistan, especially in underserved regions. With dedicated infrastructure, mentorship, and opportunity, women entrepreneurship in Pakistan is poised for transformation.
