The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) Board Member Ms Aasia Saail has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across Pakistan by expanding access to financial literacy, credit facilities and capacity-building initiatives.
This was highlighted by Ms. Sail during an interactive session held at SMEDA office with a delegation of women journalists, led by Ms Farzana Chaudhry, President National Women Journalists Forum. CEO SMEDA Ms. Nadia Jahangir Seth and Senior Management Team Members of SMEDA; Ms. Saleha Saeed, Mr. Sheharyar Tahir and Ms. Tania Butter also accompanied the board member on this occasion.
Ms. Aasia Sail said that women rights are safeguarded in Islam but cultural barriers hinder their economic participation and financial independence.
“SMEDA’s core mission, she said, is to support talented and enterprising women in launching and scaling sustainable businesses,” she stated, adding that the organization is actively working to remove barriers such as limited access to finance, training and business development support.
Highlighting recent initiatives, Ms Saail pointed to SMEDA’s flagship ‘Made in Pakistan – SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026’, which provided visibility and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs through women chambers of commerce and industry.
She further stressed the need to integrate microenterprises and home-based workers into the formal economy and called for the establishment of permanent emporia dedicated to women entrepreneurs.
Acknowledging the role of media, Ms Saail urged journalists to amplify awareness about government-backed initiatives and opportunities available for women-led businesses.
Mr Sheharyar Tahir, General Manager (Gender & Sustainability) at SMEDA gave a presentation on Women Entrepreneurship development initiatives taken by SMEDA under guidance of SMEDA Board.
During the Q&A session, Ms. Aasia reiterated PM of Pakistan’s resolve to uplift women – particularly those engaged in micro-businesses and home-based work – by connecting them with resources and opportunities for growth.
