Pakistan’s women empowerment has huge economic potential, therefore reducing barriers to women’s greater workforce participation is crucial. Numerous instances exist whereby women have demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering resolve, propelling themselves forward despite encountering various obstacles. And the most important role in this has to be played by empowered Pakistani women. One such example is that of Ms Huma Fakhar who has challenged societal beliefs on what women can and cannot do; she is actively engaged in entrepreneurial activities while also dedicating her utmost efforts towards the promotion of women’s empowerment within Pakistan.

Ms Fakhar, a prominent Pakistani businesswoman, has received a nomination for the prestigious Global Women Inspiration Awards in the United Kingdom in recognition for her notable contributions to Pakistan’s business and social sectors. 
Recently, Ms Fakhar, Dr Ishrat Hussain and Dr Abid Qayum Sulehri represented Pakistan to participate in the South Asia Economic Summit (SAES) held in Dhaka on November 4-5, 2023. Ms Fakhar had the honor of representing Pakistan in two distinct sessions; the first session focused on the topic of global supply chains within the framework of South Asia’s economic integration and the second session centered around the crucial matter of women empowerment within Pakistan. 
Hilal for Her team engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding her journey, significant aspects of the power-packed summit as well as the notable features of Ms Fakhar’s contribution during the event.
Please tell us about your talk on women empowerment. Could you kindly offer details regarding the initiatives you have undertaken for women’s empowerment in Pakistan?
This year I won the Global Inspiration Entrepreneurs Award. The award was given for my work in dairy sector, orphanages and circularity fund. I spoke at the conference about my initiatives and the status of entrepreneurship of South Asian women.  Only 25% women in South Asia are economically active as compared to 75% for men. The International Labour Organisation estimates that reducing the gap in labour force participation rates between men and women by 25% by 2025 could raise the global gross domestic product (GDP) by 4%. It is imperative that the world knows this and get started in initiating entrepreneurship for women. 
I have taken several initiatives for women empowerment. I have co-authored Pakistan’s White Revolution Dairy Investments vision Doodh Darya, which laid the foundation of corporate dairy farms in Pakistan and empowered more than 500,000 women in the dairy sector. In addition to my experience in the start-up sector, I have also engaged in the training of women from over 300 orphanages in entrepreneurship at the school level. My most recent work includes the circularity fund ‘Green Footprints’ to support start-ups in circular business models, circular research and development as well as innovation and sustainable supply chains, especially in the food sector.
Could you kindly provide us with an overview of the SAES held in Dhaka?
This was the fourteenth SAES held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 4-5 November; the overarching theme of SAES XIV was “Reframing South Asian Regional Cooperation in the New Context: National and Global Dimensions.” Within this broad theme, the summit focused on a set of cross-cutting issues and a cluster of thematic issues ranging from energy, climate change, supply chains, geo-economics of the region, women empowerment, etc.
What were the key points discussed during your talk on global supply chains and South Asia’s integration?
I had quite a diverse talk in terms of covering a range of issues, some of which were the focal points of my presentation. Firstly, I talked about how two decades back South Asian economies were trying to rush into globalization and liberation. We were trying to run before we started to walk, this trend has changed. One sees a reversal of liberalization in the region and more calculated, baby steps are being taken. The formation of bilateral blocs is perceived as a crucial catalyst for further regional integration. The BBIN agreement, which stands for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, is a regional initiative designed to enhance the movement of passenger, personal, and freight vehicles throughout these nations. Despite the current exclusion of Pakistan from the group, it is foreseeable that Pakistan’s presence and influence in the region will prove impervious to containment or obstruction. The private sector in Bangladesh exhibits a strong interest in utilising the Gwadar port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route for trade with Central Asia and other regions.
The significance of credibility is becoming more apparent, and it is anticipated that regional trade will be less impacted by blocs in the future. Instead, it is expected to be shaped by factors such as geographical contiguity and shared values. The persistent problem of credibility is exerting significant transformative effects on the field of geopolitics.The emergence of the techno-polar order is characterised by the increasing involvement of the largest private technology businesses in assuming greater and more independent roles in global politics. A considerable number of these corporations wield powers akin to those of sovereign entities within the realm of digital space, hence posing a growing challenge to nation-states as geopolitical players.
The role of technology is anticipated to grow increasingly influential in shaping supply chains, while the significance of politics is expected to diminish.The success of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) might be regarded as a commendable example for South Asia, primarily due to its robust involvement of the private sector.
It is imperative for Pakistan’s economic sustainability that the country actively pursues foreign investment in its export sectors in order to integrate into global supply chains.
What suggestions do you have for women who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs?
In addition to experiencing educational disparities, women face significant resource and financial constraints in relation to skills development and training. The individuals’ capacity to participate in and progress towards more valuable endeavors stays constrained as a result of insufficient financial resources. Mentorship is considered an effective approach to address this gap. Media outlets and publications, such as Hilal for Her, also have the potential to significantly influence and facilitate opportunities for women.
The active participation of women in the labor force and their capacity to achieve their utmost capabilities is imperative for the sustainable economic progress and advancement of Pakistan. By fostering an environment that is characterized by inclusivity and equity, Pakistan has the opportunity to fully harness the capabilities of women and enhance its global competitive standing. HH