KARACHI (PR): Dawood Global Foundation (DGF) and the British Deputy High Commission, Karachi partnered to host Pakistan’s premier women professionals and entrepreneurs’ Speed Networking Luncheon 2016, with acutting edge “Lean In” educational component on Saturday, 23rdJanuary at the British Deputy High Commission, Karachi. LADIESFUND 2016Women of Inspiration: Ayesha Khan, Masarrat Misbah, Moneeza Butt, Ronak Lakhani, Sania Maskatiya, Spenta Kandawalla, Syeda Sarwat Gillani, Zeba Bakhtiyar and Zeba Hussain, were the “Star” mentors at the event, along with fellow “star” LADIESFUND Momentum Award winner Shafaq Habib.
More than 100 women professionals and entrepreneurs from leading multi-nationals, retail, medical, accountancy, legal sectors, NGOs and youth programs gathered to form professional friendships, meet potential clients and build/strengthen their network for career advancement purposes. Rukhsana Asghar chaired the event and there were shared stories by Spenta Kandawalla and Asma Sheikh.
In 2013 LADIESFUND introduced for the first time in Pakistan theSpeed Networking Luncheon, which replicated the Harvard-style speed networking where more than 100 guests were seated face-to-face to network with each other, with a ringer every five minutes for the attendees to rotate to the next conversation.Last year, a “star” component was added to introduce mentoring aside the speed networking. This year, a new concept was introduced of Sheryl Sandberg’s much lauded global movement “Lean In” to Pakistan.
President of Dawood Global Foundation – Tara UzraDawood said:
“Sheryl Sandberg’s ‘Lean In’ movement encourages women to embrace and seize career defining opportunitiesand we are delighted today to have held Pakistan’s first ever “Lean In” circle.It is a pleasure and honour to introduce and encourage Pakistani women alongside this global trend that could truly enhance the impact and success of women in our nation. Iconic LADIESFUND 2016 Women of Inspiration also met and mentored the women in attendance in this ground-breaking process and DGF and BDHC are certifying the attendees for completing this experience. We are honoured to partner with the BDHC for the fourth time to facilitate women development in Pakistan.”
The British Deputy High Commissioner – Mr. John A. TucknottMBE said:
“We are delighted to partner with LADIESFUND® once again to host the Star Speed Networking Luncheon and look forward to many such partnerships in the future. Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals have become an important driver for economic growth and job creation within Pakistan. We congratulate the successful, talented and dynamic women of Pakistan today for not only enhancing their lives, but help Pakistan build a brighter and more prosperous future.”
The event was also an opportunity for young women entrepreneurs across the nation to showcase their artisan initiatives at the luncheon. Some of these included, Beddingz, Blue Beads Crafts, Meena Kari, ASHLAMOUR, Reflection Accessories, Splash Of Colors by Ayeza, SALT SECRET (HUBSALT) and ARTILICIOUS.
Corporates Scentsation, TCS, Al-Shaheer and Fulcrum also supported the event with tables for their team members and guests. Some women SMEs including Sheops, Smart Parents Handbook, Khanz Designs, Heavenly Regalia, Activity Club and U&I also had their guests at the event. Swag partners coordinated by SarwatNasim Shah included Delice candles, Scentsation, The Academy, My Secret Bakes, Cake Time and Dhinchaks.
With the extra efforts of the LADIESFUND Executive, Aneesa Unus, Bina Ali, Nadia Gangjee, Nazneen Tariq Khan, Sarwat Nasim Shah, Shaheen Khan and Varah Musavvir, to bring dynamic Pakistan’s women professionals together, the Star Speed Networking Luncheon was a complete success.
The funds generated from this event will be utilized towards the charitable efforts of DGF for women advancement. To date, DGF has educated 900 deserving girls to become journalists through its Educate a Girl programme 250 in Nigeria.
