Idea Design Competition-Women University Lahore
The Knowledge Sharing Symposium was held by the Shaoor Foundation for Education & Awareness under its project, Fostering Critical Thinking and Entrepreneurial Skills in Young Women for Gender Inclusive Socioeconomic Development (FCTEW) at Government College University, Lahore, on June 1, 2023.
The session commenced with an introduction by Ms. Wardah Iftikhar, Project Manager at SFEA, providing an overview of the project. Project documentary was presented to familiarize attendees with the progress made thus far. Mr. Shoaib Akbar, Executive Director of Shaoor at SFEA, delivered welcoming remarks to the audience.
The first panel discussion, “Women Empowerment Entrepreneurial Development Initiatives and Challenges,” was moderated by Ms. Sabohi Ali, Senior Program Manager at SFEA. The panelists included Ms. Sahar Tariq, President of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lahore; Ms. Ayesha Noorani, Founder of Daachi Foundation; and Mr. Basim Ahmad Ali, Senior Program Manager at Home Net.
The next session, ‘The Power of HER Story’, highlighted the success stories of the seed grant winners, including Aao Kahani Bunein by Ms. Sumera Khalil, The CSH Cynosure by Ms. Naima Kazmi, Rehnuma Meri Saheli by Dr. Rabia Iftikhar, Ecopad by Ms.Fiza Ali, Yousaf Munawar Trainings by Ms. Khazima, and Bioplastic by Ms. Maneeha Ajmal. The winners shared their progress and received recognition and positive feedback from stakeholders.
Dr. Munazza Yaqoob, Lead Consultant of FCTEW, spoke about the fact critical thinking plays a vital role in women’s empowerment by breaking stereotypes, promoting self-empowerment, enhancing decision-making and problem-solving skills, facilitating effective communication, fostering leadership development, and driving social change.
Ms. Amna Mufti, Screenwriter and Academician, delivered the Keynote session, emphasizing the importance of women’s independence and advocating for societal acceptance of women empowerment.
The second panel discussion, “Role of Incubators and Financial Service Providers in Women Entrepreneurial and Linkages Development,” was moderated by Ms. Sabohi Ali. The panelists included Ms. Hooran Khattak, Partnerships and Projects Associate at National Incubation Center, Lahore; Mr. Sohaib Zafar, Director of the Women Resource Center and Incubators Lahore; Ms. Mobina Tariq, Regional Business Head of First Women Bank Limited; and Mr. Mubashir, Head of Fundraising at Akhuwat Foundation.
Ms. Kiran Imran Dar, Member of the National Assembly stressed upon the importance of acknowledging men’s support and creating an enabling environment for women. Ms. Dar encouraged women to strive for their rights, be empowered individuals, and contribute more to society.
Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi, Vice Chancellor of Government College University, Lahore, discussed the ‘Role of Academia in Inculcating Critical Thinking among Youth’. In his address, he said academia needs to collaborate with industry partners to design curriculum for the youth.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Shaoor Foundation and Team FCTEW for their work on women empowerment and critical thinking.
Shields were presented to the speakers and panelists. The Symposium concluded with a commitment to implementing collective empowerment initiatives that empower women at the local level, granting them the authority and resources to shape their own destinies. Followed by a group photo session and a networking lunch.
