Staff Reporter
QUETTA
In a powerful display of federal-provincial collaboration, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), in partnership with the Government of Balochistan, successfully hosted a two-day seminar that concluded on Thursday under the theme: “Women’s Economic Empowerment and Building Sustainable Ecosystems for Women Entrepreneurs.”
Held in Quetta under GRASP (Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress) project, the event sought to strengthen policy dialogue, institutional support, and community engagement to enhance the role of women, especially in entrepreneurship, agriculture, and livestock as key drivers of economic development.
The first seminar took place at the Governor House on July 30, bringing together notable federal and provincial leaders, including the Governor of Balochistan, the Federal Minister for Education, Federal Ministry of Poverty Alleviation, Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Provincial Minister of Education and the Advisor to the Chief Minister on Women Development.
The second seminar, held on July 31, featured the Speaker Provincial Assembly Balochistan , the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training , Federal Ministry for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety of Pakistan, the Deputy Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly, along with continued participation from the federal and provincial leadership, civil society, academia and media.
The two-day series attracted broad participation from women entrepreneurs, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and community leaders, establishing it as a truly inclusive, cross-sectoral platform for change.
A central feature of both seminars was the exhibition of women led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) supported by the GRASP project. These stalls showcased diverse ventures in agriculture, livestock, food processing, and traditional crafts, reflecting the ingenuity and resilience of women entrepreneurs across Balochistan.
