NEWS DESK
Lahore: HER Marketplace & 2nd Emerging Women Awards, a dynamic nine-hour event, took place at Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Lahore. The event attracted over 500 dignitaries, including corporate leaders, academics, and key influencers, becoming a powerful platform for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Organized by Leaders Club and spearheaded by Sana Khan, Founding President, the event showcased groundbreaking initiatives to uplift women and youth. Aamir Khan, Founder & President of Leaders Club, and Anns Gillani, CEO of Gutech International, joined Sana Khan in welcoming participants and guests.
Chief Guest Fahad Shahbaz, Focal Person for the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), praised the initiative in his keynote address and pledged continued PMYP support for programs fostering inclusivity and opportunity for women and youth.
The event featured an impressive array of initiatives and achievements:
- Entrepreneurial Showcase: 75+ women-led businesses displayed their innovations, representing diverse industries.
- Job Asaan Corner: Over 100 students benefited from professional mentoring, including resume reviews, cover letter writing, and interview preparation.
- Employment Opportunities: 10+ companies offered 200+ internships and jobs, connecting skilled talent with top employers.
- Bikers Power Show: 50+ bikers participated, challenging gender stereotypes and showcasing women’s resilience on wheels.
- Startup Funding: A pitch competition saw 12 startups vie for investment, with the winner securing PKR 1 million in funding, judged by a panel of 12 CEOs.
Other standout moments included a Drum Circle with 50+ participants, the launch of ApnaPsychologist.pk co-founded by Sana Khan, and giveaways worth PKR 1 million sponsored by event partners.
With over 50 community and corporate partners, the event facilitated impactful dialogues and workshops. Prominent speakers such as Hafiz Ahmed, Dr. Affan Qaisar, Qasim Ali Shah, and Zimi Rajput delivered empowering sessions, leaving attendees motivated to take action.
PSO Shaheen, the title sponsor, highlighted its commitment to women’s advancement, while Rohail Sheikh, CEO of Sukoon Wellness, inspired the audience with a keynote on the importance of mental and physical well-being for success.
Sana Khan, Founding President of Leaders Club, shared, “This event was not just a celebration; it was a movement to uplift women and youth, bridging gaps in financial inclusion, job readiness, and entrepreneurial empowerment. Together, we created opportunities and broke barriers.”
The event concluded with a celebratory cake cutting, marking an unforgettable day of collaboration and progress. HER Marketplace 2024 has set a high benchmark for fostering an ecosystem of empowerment for women in Pakistan.
