Top Participants of PTCL Group’s ‘Ba-Ikhtiar’ Women Empowerment Initiative Attend Global Startup Event in Dubai
Pakistan’s leading telecommunications and ICT provider, PTCL Group (PTCL & Ufone 4G), showcased its transformative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Ba-Ikhtiar, at the Expand North Star event in Dubai. As part of GITEX 2024, the world’s largest startup and investor connector event, PTCL Group highlighted the success of Ba-Ikhtiar participants while promoting the initiative on a global stage.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Two remarkable women entrepreneurs, Farhat ul Ain and Marrium Hussain, represented the Ba-Ikhtiar program at the event. Both began their journeys as local embroidery artists in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and through Ba-Ikhtiar, transformed into tech-enabled entrepreneurs. PTCL & Ufone 4G selected them for the event to gain exposure and explore new business opportunities at one of the world’s most important business and tech platforms.
Showcasing Success at Expand North Star
Farhat and Marrium showcased their vibrant embroidery products at the Pakistan Enclosure, where they engaged with international visitors and shared their inspiring stories. Their participation was a testament to PTCL Group’s ongoing support for Ba-Ikhtiar graduates, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of their enterprises.
Life-Changing Experiences for Participants
Reflecting on her experience, Marrium Hussain expressed her gratitude to PTCL Group, stating, “The opportunity to be part of such a significant global platform has been life-changing. We met people from all over the world, gained exposure, and received appreciation for our work, encouraging us to dream bigger and grow our businesses.”
The Ba-Ikhtiar Program: Empowering Women through Technology
Ba-Ikhtiar is a women empowerment initiative launched by PTCL Group in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). It equips small-scale female entrepreneurs with essential digital tools and skills to grow their businesses. Participants receive smartphones with pre-loaded SIM cards and hands-on training in digital skills, including using UPaisa mobile wallets and managing seller accounts on Daraz, a leading e-commerce platform. The 15-day workshop enhances their artisan skills while teaching them digital marketing techniques to expand their reach to global markets.
Financial Independence through Digital Tools
The program also provides financial management training from U Microfinance Bank, empowering participants to manage their business finances effectively. PTCL & Ufone 4G further support them by providing handsets and mobile connectivity, covering their data and voice needs.
Success Stories Inspiring Change
So far, two batches of women entrepreneurs have graduated from the Ba-Ikhtiar Program. These women now use smartphones and free data to sell their products on Daraz, receive payments via UPaisa, and dispatch orders through courier services. Their success stories inspire other women to pursue digital entrepreneurship and improve their socio-economic conditions.
PTCL Group’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion
Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of PTCL & Ufone 4G, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion. He said, “Ba-Ikhtiar mirrors our dedication to empowering underserved social segments and helping women become financially independent. It ensures their active participation in Pakistan’s digital economy and contributes to the country’s socio-economic progress.”
Inspiring Global Recognition
The PTCL Group exhibit at Expand North Star attracted significant attention, with Farhat and Marrium’s story of grhttps://skipper.pk/owth from local artisans to digital entrepreneurs inspiring widespread praise. Their journey, supported by digital and financial technology, demonstrated PTCL Group’s role in enabling future business leaders.
