ISLAMABAD: In celebration of International Women’s Day, the telecommunications and integrated ICT services provider, PTCL Group, joined forces with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund and National Rural Support Programme to empower one hundred women entrepreneurs in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The initiative is part of the “Ba-Ikhtiar” programme, a year-long endeavor to bridge the digital divide and equip females with the essential tools and financial knowledge required for building sustainable businesses. Under “Ba-Ikhtiar”, PTCL Group distributed smartphones with pre-loaded SIM cards, provided 1-year free data packages and facilitated the setup of UPaisa mobile wallets in collaboration with U Microfinance Bank (UBank). In the second phase, the Group will facilitate financial training and digital marketing to empower participants to unlock new opportunities online.
Recognizing the important role technical proficiency plays in entrepreneurial success, the “Ba-Ikhtiar” programme equips female entrepreneurs with the requisite knowledge and skills through comprehensive training sessions in digital marketing and financial management. Through these training sessions, PTCL Groups tries to empower females to confidently navigate the digital landscape and promote their businesses online, leading to a strong customer base.
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Speaking about the initiative, Chief Marketing Officer, PTCL & Ufone 4G Syed Atif Raza said that at PTCL Group, we passionately believe that innovation is the cornerstone of social progress. Our vision extends beyond offering connectivity solutions. We actively forge strategic partnerships, such as the one with UBank, NRSP, and PPAF to invest in long-term development. The Ba-Ikhtiar programme exemplifies this commitment. We are deeply invested in empowering female entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools and resources they require to thrive. By fostering their success, the Group contributes directly to the overall social and economic well-being of Pakistan.
Stressing the need to empower young women, particularly those belonging to marginalized areas, CEO of PPAF Nadir Gul Barech said that embracing digital technology is essential for females to unlock a world of opportunities and drive their personal and professional growth. By offering digital literacy training to aspiring women entrepreneurs in Haripur, PPAF is playing an important role in enhancing their marketing skills and amplifying businesses on digital platforms, stimulating a movement towards greater inclusivity and prosperity.
