Women entrepreneurs are increasingly seen as a powerful force driving economic growth, innovation, and social development. In Pakistan, the Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program, launched by the Pakistan Single Window (PSW), is a transformative initiative to empower women to succeed in the competitive business landscape. The program not only promotes gender equality but also contributes significantly to national economic growth by fostering a dynamic, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Named after the first Muslim female international trader, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the program’s goal is to create opportunities for women entrepreneurs to engage in global trade and become key players in international markets. The Khadijah Program equips women with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern business world, ensuring their local and global success. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2030, PSW’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and dynamic business environment for women is shaping Pakistan’s economic future. The Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program not only empowers women but also creates opportunities for them to participate in international trade, break boundaries, and establish a lasting presence in global markets.

Phase I: Laying the Foundation and Award Recognition

The program's first phase successfully targeted major cities like Karachi and Lahore. During this phase, women entrepreneurs participated in structured training sessions led by industry experts, covering essential topics such as business development, international trade, financial management, and B2B connectivity. These sessions were designed to provide women with the critical tools needed to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities in cross-border trade.

The success of Phase I received significant recognition. At the WTO Public Forum 2024, the Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program was awarded the prestigious "International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade" under the top category of "Female Entrepreneurs" by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Other countries that won in their respective categories include Spain, Colombia, Chile, and Australia. This global recognition underscores the program's significant impact on advancing gender equality in trade and its commitment to fostering inclusivity within the international trade landscape.

Phase II: Expanding Horizons

Building on the success of Phase I, the program has now entered Phase II, which focuses on extending support to women entrepreneurs in smaller cities such as Quetta, Sukkur, and Peshawar. In this phase, the program continues its mission of providing tailored training that includes specialized support in financial management, trade regulations, and essential business skills.

A key component of Phase II is the emphasis on digital empowerment, which is vital in ensuring that women entrepreneurs are equipped to thrive in the digital economy. The program offers training and workshops in e-commerce, online marketing, and financial tools, allowing women to integrate into the modern economy and expand their reach. By fostering digital literacy, the program ensures that women can compete nationally and internationally, opening doors to cross-border trade and global markets.

To further enhance accessibility and inclusion, the program has now launched a series of online webinars. This move to a virtual format is designed to eliminate travel costs and geographical barriers, ensuring that participants from all regions—no matter how remote—can benefit from high-quality training from the comfort of their homes. With this expanded approach, Phase II not only continues to support women in building sustainable businesses but also ensures they are digitally empowered to compete and succeed on both national and global stages.

Global Recognition and Achievements

The Khadijah Program’s impact is not just within Pakistan’s borders but also on the global stage. In addition to receiving the WTO’s International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade under the "Female Entrepreneurs" category, the program has been involved in numerous international initiatives aimed at promoting cross-border trade. One such event was the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Trade Opportunities Forum for Women-Owned Businesses, organized by USAID Pakistan. PSW’s delegation, which included talented businesswomen from the Khadijah Program, attended the forum in Kazakhstan to explore opportunities for Pakistani women entrepreneurs to engage in trade with Kazakhstan. The forum emphasized the role of PSW in simplifying trade processes, enhancing regional connectivity, and fostering partnerships that support women-led businesses in expanding to global markets.

A Legacy of Empowerment

At its core, the Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program is not just about business training, it’s about breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and creating a lasting impact on gender equality. Through this program, women are not only learning the technical skills required for business success but are also being mentored to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.

The program's success has inspired women across Pakistan to break traditional barriers, challenge societal norms, and establish themselves as successful entrepreneurs in global markets. The award recognition from the WTO is a testament to the far-reaching impact of the Khadijah Program and the commitment of Pakistan’s government, in partnership with organizations such as USAID Pakistan, SMEDA, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and REMIT Pakistan, to creating a more inclusive and equitable trade environment for women.