Facebook today (August 3) announced the expansion of its #SheMeansBusiness women entrepreneurship program in Pakistan by teaming up with Lahore Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
As per details, the Facebook program would provide women entrepreneurs with the tools, training and resources that can help them secure funding and grow their businesses.
For Dunya News TV / Lahore
“The flexibility offered by digital technologies is enabling a new generation of women entrepreneurs around the world to make positive contributions to their families and communities. However, women still face a number of obstacles such as a lack of funding and networks that can help them grow and scale. With this partnership, we want to nurture current and future generations of Pakistani women business leaders by providing access to a series of workshops and online learning tools,” said Facebook Asia Pacific Head of Community Affairs Beth Ann Lim during the launch of the program in Lahore.
According to the Future of Business Report – collaboration between Facebook, World Bank and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), women business owners on Facebook in Pakistan still face significant funding challenges, with less than one in five stating that they currently have a bank loan or a line of credit. Of those surveyed, over three in four Pakistani women business owners on Facebook say that social media helps their business.
WCCI President Dr Faaiza Amjad said online platforms such as Facebook have helped women entrepreneurs expand their businesses.
“When women are successful in their businesses, it drives social growth too; more women are employed, more diverse role models are created and there is stronger diversity. Successful female entrepreneurs invest in their communities and in educating children.