The Women Chamber of Commerce
& Industry Sialkot (WCCIS), established in 2021 to foster the economic
empowerment of women in Sialkot, one of Pakistan's premier industrial cities.
WCCIS represents approximately 550 women, including 160 direct WCCIS members and
390 associates through the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI),
forming a network of Micro, SMEs, and SMEs engaged in manufacturing and export
sectors.
The Women Chamber's mission is to
champion the interests of women entrepreneurs and promote their role in
economic growth, focusing on equitable opportunities in both local and
international markets. Recognizing the need for inclusive development, WCCIS
advocates for policies and initiatives that facilitate access to resources,
training, and professional development for women, supporting their businesses
in becoming competitive players on the global stage. Through these efforts,
WCCIS envisions a future where women-led enterprises thrive as vital
contributors to sustainable economic growth.
Since its inception, WCCIS has
actively advanced the interests of its members through a variety of
initiatives. Key advocacy efforts include promoting gender-responsive public
procurement policies to enhance access to government contracts, campaigning for
fiscal advantages, and supporting policies for safe and harassment-free
workplaces. Moreover, WCCIS is dedicated to fostering women's health and
well-being, providing regular awareness sessions on topics such as cancer
prevention and heart health. These efforts are geared towards creating a secure
and inclusive environment where women can pursue professional success without
compromising on safety or wellness.
The Women Chamber offers a
comprehensive array of programs that support capacity building, training, and
market access for women entrepreneurs. In collaboration with international
organizations, WCCIS has organized skill-development workshops, including
sessions on digital marketing, branding, and video editing, as well as
sustainable initiatives like tree plantation and kitchen gardening workshops.
These programs are designed to help members refine their skills, expand their
knowledge, and build confidence to compete in diverse markets. Furthermore, to
bridge the gap between business and academia, WCCIS has facilitated knowledge
exchange with institutions such as the University of Sialkot (USKT) and the
University of Management and Technology (UMT), strengthening industry-academia
ties.
One of WCCIS's flagship
accomplishments is the WE-Exhibit, Sialkot's first dedicated exhibition for
women entrepreneurs, which was launched in 2023. This event quickly garnered
support from prominent global organizations, including the International Trade
Centre (ITC), and attracted a UK Inward Trade Mission in 2024, resulting in
business deals valued at over £2 million within six months. The success of the
WE-Exhibit exemplifies WCCIS's commitment to providing international exposure
for its members. In 2025, WCCIS anticipates hosting an even larger delegation
from the UK and extending an invitation to a U.S. business delegation. In
addition to these programs, WCCIS has embarked on a multi-phase research
project to analyze women's workforce participation in Sialkot, aiming to
identify the key factors influencing women's economic engagement. This research
will inform future strategies and policies to support women's contributions
across various industries. As part of its future plans, WCCIS is developing
initiatives such as a child care center to assist businesswomen with young
children, affordable transport options to facilitate safe commuting for working
women, and sector-specific training centers to enhance skills relevant to
Sialkot's primary industries, including textiles, sports goods, and surgical
instruments.
In pursuit of our mission, WCCIS
values partnerships with international organizations and stakeholders to
broaden the scope and impact of its services. Our ongoing collaboration with
ITC and JICA underscores our commitment to global cooperation, with plans for
initiatives such as Japanese language courses, industry-specific research and
development, and support for market entry through trade exhibitions. With the
proposed establishment of a business incubation center, WCCIS will further
provide women entrepreneurs with mentorship, resources, and skill development,
fostering an ecosystem conducive to innovation and success.
The Women Chamber of Commerce
& Industry Sialkot is dedicated to creating pathways for women's economic
inclusion, equipping them with the tools to succeed in dynamic markets. By
empowering women to lead and grow successful businesses, WCCIS believes we are
building not only stronger businesses but stronger communities and a more
equitable economy. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with partners who
share our vision for a prosperous future led by empowered women.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS:
• International Trade Centre
(ITC) - International Trade Centre
•FCDO - Foreign, Commonwealth,
and Development Office (UK)
• UK Govt. - United Kingdom
Government
• GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Society for International Cooperation)
• JICA-Japan International
Cooperation Agency
• USAID United States Agency for
International Development UN Women United Nations Entity for Gender
• Equality and the Empowerment of
Women
•NAPP Fair trade National
Association for the Promotion of Fair Trade (NAPP)
In recognition of the great work being done by the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sialkot, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 50/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on 27th January, 2025.
No comments:
Post a Comment