USAID launches trade initiative for women

The US Agency for International Development (USAID), in conjunction with several multinational firms launched the Women in Trade Initiative on Tuesday. This project was undertaken in order to increase the participation of Pakistani women in international trade
“This initiative is part of American commitment to the people of Pakistan to support women’s empowerment,” said Dr Marilyn Wyatt, wife of US Ambassador Cameron Munter, at the launch ceremony of the Women in Trade Initiative, “by raising the role of women in international trade, we can enable them to contribute not only to Pakistan’s economy, but to the overall development of the country.”
Under this initiative, USAID has arranged three-month internships for 17 female university graduates at well-known companies such as TARGET Sourcing Services Pakistan, TEXLYNX, NISHAT Group, and Li & Fung Pakistan. These internships impart skills in sourcing and marketing of products, product development and diversification, and supply chain management.
According to a press statement issued by the USAID, the international trade sector in Pakistan currently employs very few women in managerial positions; a USAID funded study has recently discovered that women make up less than 10 percent of the management staff and less than 20 percent of junior staff in trade companies.
The Women in Trade initiative will work to set up linkages between international firms and local universities so that women have the opportunity to explore careers in international trade. The initiative will also help companies select the best-suited male and female university graduates for training and potential future recruitment.