Facebook, USF launch training programme in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Universal Service Fund (USF) and Facebook have launched #SheMeansBusiness in Pakistan aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs with knowledge, connections, skills and technology required to build and grow their businesses online.
As a part of the # She Means Business programme, training will be provided to trainers of USF ICT for girls programme in the areas of women empowerment and digital safety.
This training will teach 8,000 women annually on how to set up and grow their businesses using practical digital skills on Facebook and Instagram platform and tips for protecting their privacy, security and staying safe online. Certificates were also distributed among the participants of the training programme in end.
By enabling entrepreneurship, #SheMeansBusiness will help Pakistan harness talent, energy, ideas and productive potential that women bring. The programme equips women with the capability and skills to start and grow businesses online, and helps them connect with the knowledge, people and peers who can help in that journey. The program involves a series of workshops, training sessions and online resources.
Speaking at the programme’s launch, Federal Minister for Information Technology, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said the current government is very keen on creating equal opportunities for women in the country to enable them to excel in their lives.
Dr Khalid added that it is important to provide such platforms to women to bridge the gender digital divide in the country. He praised the training program aimed at women empowerment and digital safety and also emphasized that such initiatives will play an important role in equipping the women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and technology required to build and grow their businesses online. He appreciated the efforts of Facebook and USF for coming up with such an effective training program and hoped that this partnership would undertake such fruitful activities in future too.
Speaking at the occasion, CFO USF Haaris M Chaudhary said addition of the #SheMeansBusiness in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) for girls programme is a step in the right direction. It will help the women become economically powerful through training. He added, “We are hopeful that after this training by Facebook on entrepreneurial skills for women, the women in this program will make even smarter decisions.”
Haris told Business Recorder that the USF has gone to areas which were un-served with broadband services but still some areas are uncovered. “We are providing basic infrastructure and if we do not take it further, it is going to stop. Women can learn from Facebook and expand business and earn much better livings. It’s free of charge. We have these centers to teach women about the ICT,” he added.
APAC Director of Community Affairs, Facebook, Clair Deevy said, “When women do better, we all benefit. More women are employed, more role models are created and there is stronger diversity. Facebook’s partnership with the USF in Pakistan will hopefully help inspire and empower more Pakistani women to start and grow a business.”
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