PSW & TDAP Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Sialkot Through Khadijah Program

Sialkot – In a significant move to boost women-led businesses in Pakistan, the Pakistan Single Window (PSW), in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Sialkot Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SWCCI), conducted an impactful session of the Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program in Sialkot. The initiative aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in international trade.

Held as an onsite training and capacity-building event, the program provided women entrepreneurs with hands-on learning on topics including cross-border trade, e-commerce, digital marketing, customs procedures, access to finance, and the emerging field of green and sustainable trade. The goal was to help them scale their businesses for export and become part of the global value chain.

The Khadijah Program, PSW’s flagship initiative for gender inclusion in trade, has been globally recognized, including receiving the WTO Global Award for Gender Equality in Trade. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, the program combines digital trade facilitation with gender-focused capacity building.

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CEO of PSW, Mr. Aftab Haider, highlighted the importance of the initiative:

“At Pakistan Single Window, we are committed to empowering women entrepreneurs as active participants in global markets. Our collaboration with TDAP focuses on building capacity around sustainable and green trade practices, ensuring that women-led businesses meet international compliance and environmental benchmarks.”

Ms. Mahina Ghalib, Deputy Director, TDAP Women Entrepreneurship Division, added:

“This partnership is about unlocking access—access to markets, mentorship, and training. By empowering women in cities like Sialkot, we are investing in innovation, resilience, and inclusive economic growth.”

Dr. Mariam Nouman, President of the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sialkot (WCCIS), attended the event as Chief Guest and praised the initiative’s impact:

“Sialkot plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s export economy. The Khadijah Program comes at a critical time to support our women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to meet rising international demand for sustainable and compliant trade.”

The event featured expert-led sessions focused on trade finance, marketing, compliance, networking, and digital transformation. These interactive workshops provided actionable strategies to help women-owned businesses navigate international trade requirements and seize export opportunities.

The Khadijah Program continues to serve as a cornerstone of PSW’s efforts to promote gender equality and sustainability in trade. Through partnerships with organizations like TDAP and SWCCI, the program is ensuring that women are not only included in Pakistan’s trade journey—but are leading it.

This initiative reflects a broader vision of building a competitive, inclusive, and future-ready trade ecosystem that supports long-term economic growth and resilience.