"Women entrepreneurs key for progress"

New Delhi, Dec 18 (IBNS) Prominent leaders from India and Pakistan on Sunday called for empowering women with education and economic independence to encourage entrepreneurship in south Asia and pulling the masses out of poverty, illiteracy, disease and crime.

Providing them networking platforms is also essential in the current globalised world, said member of Parliament Najma Heptullah while addressing a seminar organised by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

The seminar titled 'Fostering Women Entrepreneurship - The Way Forward for South Asia' was held ahead of the ASSOCHAM delegation of business leaders visiting Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from January 9 to 14, 2012.

National Youth Congress leader Alka Lamba said both countries have many commonalities and traditional linkages. Business leaders should unleash entrepreneurial urge and forge ahead with economic partnerships between the neighbouring nations to promote core values of unity and peace.

Harbeen Arora, founder and chief executive officer of Creative Living Organisation, said formation of women associations and support groups should be encouraged to provide them bandwidth for both critical thinking and also critical mass.

"There is need more than ever for having more examples of successful entrepreneurship by women and inspiring role models."

Pakistan's minister of social welfare Nargis Khan said women can play an important role in developing societies and nations.

"The country is exploring new channels to promote entrepreneurship with micro loans. Pakistani women are more empowered now after a prolonged dictatorship in a male-dominated society."

Qadim Moosarat, executive director of Paiman Trust in Pakistan, said space for women in economic and political spheres is essential for equitable development and peace in south Asia. India and Pakistan should divorce legacies of the past to repel prejudices and discriminations.

Tajuddin Khan, general secretary of Pakistan's Awami National Party, called for putting an end to atrocities on women and gender discrimination.

He said liberal visa regimes in India and Pakistan will promote friendly relations and bilateral trade.