Women Entrepreneurship
Training Program.
A week-long workshop in Islamabad equipping female graduates from Khanewal and SOS Village with skills in e-commerce, freelancing, and digital business.
Entrepreneurship as a viable career path.
In response to significant challenges limiting female economic participation in Pakistan, particularly in remote areas like Khanewal, the Women Entrepreneurship Training Program was launched. This collaborative initiative between Taaleem Foundation and Career Launchpad engaged 20 female graduates to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Over a week-long workshop held in Islamabad, participants gained valuable skills in e-commerce, freelancing, and the ever changing technological landscape.
Organized on the 27th of May in Islamabad.
On Monday the 27th of May, Taaleem Foundation and Career Launchpad organized a women entrepreneurship training program in Islamabad for female graduates from Khanewal and students from the SOS Village Islamabad. This five-day program, supported by Career Launchpad and Rehmat Foundation, featured over 15 intensive training sessions, aiming to equip participants with essential entrepreneurial skills and support their professional development.
Career Launchpad
As a leading career accelerator program, Career Launchpad emphasizes cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset through practical, hands-on learning experiences led by top industry experts. With a placement rate of 127%, the program has successfully guided individuals into leading organizations worldwide.
Taaleem Foundation
Pivotal in promoting educational excellence and social change in Balochistan, particularly in underprivileged tribal districts like Kohlu and Zhob — empowering communities by providing quality education and building local capacities.
Rehmat Foundation
Advances medical and general education across Pakistan through initiatives like the Global Medicine Initiative and e-learning programs — bridging educational gaps and promoting sustainable development.
Why this program matters.
In Pakistan, the literacy rate among the female population is 51.8%, with only 25% participating in the workforce. This poses a significant challenge to our economic, societal, and international development goals. Addressing this gap is crucial not just as a statistic, but as an opportunity to enhance today and ensure prosperity for tomorrow.
| Index and Subindex | Score | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Global Gender Gap Index | 0.564 | 145th |
| Economic Participation and Opportunity | 0.331 | 145th |
| Educational Attainment | 0.825 | 120th |
| Health and Survival | 0.944 | 143rd |
| Political Empowerment | 0.156 | 96th |
Recognizing these challenges, Taaleem Foundation extended its EdTech services and academic support to 17 government schools in remote villages of Jahanian, district Khanewal, with support from Rehmat Foundation — engaging 20 female graduates and exposing them to entrepreneurship possibilities and home-based flexible jobs for reasonable income.
A holistic, carefully structured week.
The workshop series focused on various aspects of development, from educational leadership and professional growth to financial literacy and digital business strategies. Each day was carefully structured to cover specific themes, combining theoretical insights with practical applications.
Empowerment through Education
Equip female graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional and personal development.
Leadership and Professional Development
Provide insights and strategies for educational leadership and professional growth, addressing the unique challenges faced by working women and mothers.
Sales and Communication Skills
Enhance participants' abilities in selling, business communication, and overcoming barriers to success.
Technology and Financial Literacy
Introduce participants to AI tools like ChatGPT, time management strategies, and essential financial management principles.
Career Advancement and Digital Business
Offer guidance on career planning, digital marketing strategies, and navigating the digital business landscape.
Community Building and Marketing Strategies
Foster community building and provide innovative marketing techniques to strengthen business networks and promotional efforts.
Five days, fifteen-plus sessions.
Distinguished speakers such as Zunaira Ali, Saqib Abbasi, Humaira Latif, Ali Ibrahim, Wajeeha Tahir, Sumayya Amra, Fizzah Haroon, Sarmad Bilal, Dr. Ahmed Qureshi, Hira Irshad, Kashaf Akhtar, Ramla Shafiq, Manya Bangash, Humay Waseem, Zeehasham Malik, and Dr. Faryal Razzaq provided invaluable insights, inspiring personal and professional growth among attendees.
Educational Leadership & Professional Development
Guest Speakers: Humaira Latif · Saqib Mehmood Abbasi · Parvez Abbasi
Humaira Latif (GM Academics & HRD, HITEC) addressed the challenges faced by working women and mothers. Saqib Mehmood Abbasi led a session on Professional & Personal Development, and Parvez Abbasi (Director, AdVentures) conducted a stimulating session on Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
- Introduction to entrepreneurship and its importance in the modern economy
- Developing an entrepreneurial mindset
- Tools for success and pitching practice
Selling, Communication & Overcoming Barriers
Guest Speakers: Mohammad Ali Ibrahim · Wajeeha Tahir · Sumayya Amra · Fizzah Haroon
Mohammad Ali Ibrahim (Sales Director, Hashoo Group) opened with The Art of Selling. Wajeeha Tahir led Business Communications, Sumayya Amra delivered a hands-on Social Media and Designing session, and Fizzah Haroon (Telenor) closed with an inspiring session on Overcoming Barriers.
- Social media strategies for business
- Design essentials for business materials
- Online customer service best practices
Technology & Financial Literacy
Guest Speakers: Sarmad Bilal · Dr. Ahmed Qureshi · Hira Irshad
Sarmad Bilal (Software Engineer, atomcamp) demonstrated Leveraging ChatGPT for business. Dr. Ahmed Qureshi led a workshop on Goal Setting and Time Management using SMART criteria, and Hira Irshad (Manager B2G Solutions, JazzCash) brought Financial Literacy to the forefront with budgeting, saving, and investment strategies.
- Reading and understanding financial statements
- Budgeting and financial planning
- Online banking tools
Career Advancement & Digital Business
Guest Speakers: Zunaira Ali · Kashaf Akhtar · Ramla Shafiq · Manya Bangash
Zunaira Ali guided participants through Career Mapping. Kashaf Akhtar (CEO, EcoBricks) shared Stories of Entrepreneurs. Ramla Shafiq (Senior Manager Marketing, JS Bank) covered Digital Marketing and Business Strategies, and Manya Bangash (State Bank Pakistan) detailed Financial Schemes and Banking Options for Women Entrepreneurs.
- The art of networking
- Community engagement
- Professional communication skills
Community Building & Marketing Strategies
Guest Speakers: Humay Waseem · Zeehasham Malik · Dr. Faryal Razzaq
Humay Waseem opened with Community Building and Roleplays, fostering collaboration and camaraderie. Zeehasham Malik (Business Development Manager, FlashCapital) shared innovative marketing techniques through case studies and practical exercises.
- Basic business operations
- Sales and marketing basics
- Goal setting and time management
The organizations behind the week.
Career Launchpad
A comprehensive career development program designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive professionally. Through a structured curriculum, personalized coaching, and practical experiences, Career Launchpad empowers individuals to excel in their careers.
Taaleem Foundation
Founded in 1989 by Dr. Zafar Qadir, Taaleem Foundation embarked on a mission to implement social change in the deprived areas of Balochistan — from the Kohlu Grammar School model to quality education across Kohlu, Sui, Zhob, Loralai, Kila Saifullah, Muslim Bagh, Mastung, and Pishin.
Rehmat Foundation
Dedicated to improving medical education and healthcare with a strong emphasis on mental health, as well as enhancing general education. Its Global Medicine Initiative connects over 90 medical experts with institutions in Pakistan, and its e-learning programs help bridge the educational gap for underprivileged children.
Industry Partners
Career Launchpad collaborates closely with industry partners to ensure the success of events like the Women Entrepreneurship Training Program — providing real-world insights, practical skills, and invaluable networking opportunities for participants.
Transforming professional and personal lives.
Overall, the workshop series successfully transformed female graduates into empowered, economically independent, and community-oriented entrepreneurs — paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for women in Khanewal and beyond.
Empowered Entrepreneurs
The workshops equipped participants with essential skills to excel in freelancing, e-commerce, and home-based businesses — from leadership and sales strategies to financial literacy and time management.
Economic Independence
By enabling participants to generate income through online ventures and home-based businesses, the initiative contributed to their economic independence and financial stability.
Increased Employment Opportunities
The training created numerous opportunities for self-employment and freelancing, effectively addressing unemployment challenges faced by the participants.
Community Development
Newfound skills and confidence enabled participants to contribute positively to their communities, promoting economic growth at the grassroots level.
Breaking Gender Norms
The workshops challenged traditional gender norms and empowered participants to pursue diverse career paths, inspired by stories from women entrepreneurs and sessions on overcoming barriers as female leaders.
A significant milestone in empowering female graduates.
The collaboration between Career Launchpad, Taaleem Foundation, and Rehmat Foundation in hosting a week-long series of workshops in Islamabad represents a significant milestone in empowering female graduates from Khanewal and students from SOS Village Islamabad. The workshops received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, highlighting their success and emphasizing the transformative impact of such initiatives on the professional growth of young women.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners — Telenor, JazzCash, HITEC, Quaid-e-Azam University, SZABIST, FEEEL, EcoBricks, JS Bank, and AtomCamp — whose unwavering support was instrumental in the success of this initiative.
Career Launchpad · www.careerlaunchpad.pk · @career.launchpad · @CareerLaunchpadAV