Reinforcing US commitment to promote gender equality through entrepreneurship in Pakistan, the US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G. Olson inaugurated the Women’s Entrepreneurial Centre of Resources, Education, Access, and Training for Economic Empowerment (WECREATE) on Friday.
The US State Department Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Scott Nathan, and Additional Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce, Rubina Ather were also present.
The WECREATE centre, the first of its kind in the world, will help advance gender equality in entrepreneurship and provide training. It is aimed at providing support and mentorship to women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Olson said, “This centre has enormous potential. It will help women overcome some of the barriers they encounter in Pakistan and develop initiatives to increase opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to start and grow their own businesses. It will maximise public-private partnerships to increase women’s participation in the economy and implement community-based programs to spur economic growth and innovation.
“The centre will offer mentorship, classes, resource materials, and access to a network of other women entrepreneurs across the country and around the world,” he added.
WECREATE Marketing and Communications Manager Mavra Bari commented, “The opening of the centre is an opportunity to support not only new women entrepreneurs but also diverse ideas and perspectives. It will give women a space to unleash their creative potential.”
The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Founding Vice President Mansoor Malik commented, “This centre will be the flagship, and there are others to come globally. The WECREATE centre in Pakistan will map this new frontier for women across the world.
“Local and global partnerships and networks are the foundation of a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem and without women empowerment – who are half of Pakistan’s population – a truly thriving and representative ecosystem cannot be done.”
The centre is supported by the US-Pakistan Women’s Council and sponsored by the US Department of State, in partnership with StartUp Cup, TiE Islamabad, Change Mechanics, and the Hashoo Foundation.
Launched by Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in September 2012, the US-Pakistan Women’s Council is a public-private partnership that links the US and Pakistani universities, businesses, and other supporters, to initiatives that advance economic opportunities for women in Pakistan.
