Policy and Parliamentarians’ Forum Calls for Inclusive Economic Policies
Lahore, July 10, 2025 — Leading National Organization of Youth Development, Bargad, in partnership with Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), organized the Annual Policy and Parliamentarians’ Forum in LCWU under the My Dream, My Business (MDM) project to champion inclusive economic policies. Attended by over 100 stakeholders, the forum addressed barriers facing disadvantaged women entrepreneurs and advanced commitments aligned with SDGs 5 and 8 for gender equality and decent work and economic growth.
Chief Guest of the forum, Senator Ms. Bushra Anjum Butt, said that “This isn’t just an event—it’s a call to action for a future where every woman has the opportunity to succeed.”
Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab for Price Control and Commodities Management, Ms. Salma Butt, as the Honourable Guest, urged women to set emotions aside in the marketplace and bring forward their competitive edge. “Building a business isn’t just about vision—it demands real skills,” she stated.
The event featured a diverse group of speakers and panelists, including LCWU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi, Mr. Ahmad Khan (CEO Punjab Skill Development Fund), Mr. Shahid Rehmat (Chairperson Youth Development Foundation-YDF) Executive Director Bargad Ms. Sabiha Shaheen and the Principal of Kinnard College Ms. Irum Anjam. Amber Bajwa (Bargad) and women entrepreneurs Sana Kashif, Rafaqat Naz and Iman also took part in the discussions. Ms. Sam Ali Dada (Standing Committee National Economic Policies & Reforms FPCCI) and Ms. Uzma Yaqoob (FDI) moderated two panels. The first panel, “Advancing Women’s Economic Inclusion,” looked at challenges such as wage gaps, unsafe workspaces, and lack of financial support. The second panel, “From Dialogue to Policy,” featured community women presenting direct recommendations to policymakers, encouraging a bottom-up approach to decision-making.
Dr. Uzma Qurashi and Ms. Irum Anjam emphasized that women can lead thriving businesses without compromising their roles at home. They encouraged women to be strong, strategic, and competitive—capable of balancing both leadership and family with confidence.
Mr. Ahmad Khan emphasized: “You need to sell your business online through social media and media because this is the age of media because this is how we can promote our business”. Mr. Shahid Rehmat running a similar project at YDF demanded the government to bring a policy for digital business and marketing without taxes. The cash cycle should be easy for micro entrepreneurs.
Ms. Sabiha Shaheen urged the government to adopt the strategies of the MDMB project in its women’s economic empowerment programs, emphasizing the importance of grassroots mobilization, skill development, access to resources, and sustained capacity building.
A powerful theatre performance by Bargad’s team highlighted real-life struggles of women facing poverty, gender bias, and limited opportunities, creating an emotional connection with the audience. Another highlight of the forum was the launch of a Booklet, titled “My Dream, My Business” booklet, which tells 19 inspiring stories of women who started small businesses under the MDMB project in Lahore and Gujranwala after living on the margins. These stories reflect resilience, talent, and the power of support.
The forum ended with an exhibition of products by women entrepreneurs and a symbolic pledge by participants to support women’s empowerment. It marked a strong step toward making policies more inclusive and creating safer economic spaces from the perspective of community women entrepreneurs. 