Daraz Empowers 1,000 More Female Entrepreneurs in Punjab through “Proudly Pakistani” Initiative

[Islamabad, July 29, 2024] – In line with its mission to uplift communities through the power of commerce, Daraz has successfully trained a second cohort of 1,000 female entrepreneurs from the Punjab region. These training sessions, part of Daraz’s “Proudly Pakistani” initiative, were conducted across eight cities in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Punjab. This strategic partnership highlights Daraz’s commitment to supporting local communities and promoting homegrown products on a national scale.

Launched in August last year, the “Proudly Pakistani” initiative aims to promote locally-made products and empower Pakistani entrepreneurs and artisans. Over 600 small business owners from across the country benefited from this initiative in its first year. The entrepreneurs receiving these trainings learn essential digital marketing and e-commerce skills and are given the opportunity to showcase and sell their products on the Daraz platform, thus gaining access to a broader customer base.

By enhancing their skills, these individuals will be better equipped to secure sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the local economy. Moreover, Daraz and the Social Welfare Department will jointly monitor and assess the socioeconomic impact of this initiative, with a focus on income generation and community development in the Punjab region.

Commenting on the partnership, Ehsan Saya, Managing Director of Daraz Pakistan, said, “Helping local businesses thrive in e-commerce has always been our ultimate end-goal. We are excited to deepen our collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, Government of Punjab, to create even more significant and meaningful impact this year through our ‘Proudly Pakistani’ initiative. We are optimistic about the future success these female business owners will achieve on our platform and their potential to increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods.”

“We appreciate the collaboration with Daraz to make this program/intervention a success and their dedication to empowering the women of Punjab under the ‘Proudly Pakistani’ umbrella. We witnessed a positive impact of our previous collaboration with Daraz last year and feel such partnerships are crucial for nurturing entrepreneurship, enhancing community well-being, and driving economic progress in the region. We look forward to seeing the continued transformative impact this collaboration will have on our female entrepreneurs and their communities.” stated Mr Iqbal Hussain, Secretary Social Welfare and Bait UL Maal Punjab.

Mr. Mudassir Riaz Malik Ex-DG Social Welfare and Bait UL Maal, Punjab, who initiated this partnership also appreciated the efforts of Daraz for empowering women through their platform. “This is a landmark initiative and will help those women who have skills, intent and products but no access to markets, provide rare opportunity to access markets online in comfortable way. This is a big step towards women empowerment. I hope that its scope of the program will be broadened further in to benefit more deprived women.”