Lahore, Oct 03 (Alliance News): Pakistan has been honored with the prestigious “International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade” by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for its innovative “Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program,” a part of the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) initiative.
The award ceremony took place in September during the WTO Public Forum 2024. The International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade, a new accolade introduced by the WTO, is awarded to governments implementing impactful initiatives that promote gender equality in trade.
The PSW’s Khadijah Program stood out for its innovative approach in encouraging more women entrepreneurs to engage in international trade.
This recognition highlights Pakistan’s commitment to promoting fair and equitable trade through inclusive policies, focusing on gender equality, particularly in cross-border trade.
Clare Kelly, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the WTO, commended the Khadijah Program at the award ceremony, noting its empowerment of female entrepreneurs by providing access to global markets. The program’s success was rooted in its focus on promoting women’s inclusion in international trade, enhancing digital and financial literacy, and fostering international networking and B2B connections.
Ali Sarfaraz Hussain, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the WTO, congratulated the PSW for this achievement, while PSW’s CEO Syed Aftab Haider expressed pride in the program’s global recognition. Misbah Khatana, lead of the Khadijah Program, emphasized its focus on empowering women through access to critical information, financial literacy, and international opportunities.
