BAHAWALPUR, Apr 30: /DNA/ – The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) hosted an international delegation comprising representatives from UN Women Pakistan, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, and Kaarvan Crafts Foundation to strengthen collaboration for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship in South Punjab.
The visiting delegation included Ms. Anja Benedicte Myrtveit, Second Secretary at the Royal Norwegian Embassy; Munazza Azad, Program Officer at UN Women Pakistan; and Danish Jabbar, CEO of Kaarvan Crafts Foundation. The IUB side was led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran, along with senior faculty members, deans, and directors from various departments.
During the session, the Department of Data Science highlighted its initiatives aimed at empowering rural women through technology-driven programs. In collaboration with Kaarvan Crafts Foundation, the university has conducted training in digital finance, e-commerce, AI applications, and market-oriented digital literacy to help women transform traditional skills into sustainable income sources. A key highlight was the introduction of a Mini MBA program designed specifically for women entrepreneurs, focusing on business development, financial management, and strategic decision-making. The university also shared its efforts in organizing engagement sessions with industry experts, startups, and innovation hubs to provide mentorship and practical exposure.
Participants were briefed on the Letter of Agreement signed between IUB and Kaarvan Crafts Foundation, which aims to strengthen academia–industry–community linkages through joint initiatives in digital skills development, entrepreneurship, research collaboration, and innovation support, particularly for underserved and rural women.The discussion also addressed challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in South Punjab, including limited market access, lack of business training, financial exclusion, and socio-cultural barriers. It was agreed that these issues can be effectively tackled through digital empowerment, supportive policies, and academic collaboration.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to capacity building, research, and innovation, while proposing a “Skill Development Training Program” to provide advanced digital training, develop online marketplaces, and offer business mentorship. The role of international partners was highlighted as crucial for ensuring sustainability and scalability, with a call for support in establishing IT training labs and providing financial incentives for trainees. The visit concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening partnerships and advancing inclusive development through innovation and women’s empowerment initiatives across South Punjab.
