Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone on the global stage by winning the “International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade” from the World Trade Organization (WTO). The award recognizes the Pakistan Single Window (PSW)’s groundbreaking “Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program” for its innovative efforts in promoting women’s participation in international trade. The award was presented at the WTO Public Forum 2024 in September.
This prestigious prize, newly introduced by the WTO, honors governments that have implemented impactful initiatives to advance gender equality in trade. The Khadijah Program stood out for its unique approach to empowering women entrepreneurs, and this accolade highlights Pakistan’s commitment to creating an inclusive trade environment. The program is a testament to the government’s efforts to promote equitable trade through progressive policies and practical solutions, with a strong focus on gender equality within the cross-border trade sector.
According to the WTO, the Khadijah Program was chosen from a competitive pool of entries, securing the top spot in the “Female Entrepreneurs” category. Other countries recognized for their gender equality efforts include Spain, Colombia, Chile, and Australia, each receiving awards in their respective categories.
Recognition at the WTO Public Forum
Speaking at the award ceremony, Clare Kelly, New Zealand’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, emphasized the Khadijah Program’s outstanding impact. She noted how the program has opened doors for female entrepreneurs by providing access to international markets and opportunities. The initiative’s alignment with WTO’s key criteria—promoting women’s inclusion in trade, fostering digital and financial literacy, facilitating international networking, and showing high potential for replication—played a crucial role in its selection.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the WTO, Ali Sarfaraz Hussain, extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation and the PSW team. “This award celebrates the Khadijah Program’s remarkable contributions to advancing women’s role in international trade through innovative strategies at the national, regional, and global levels,” he remarked.
Empowering Women Through Trade
Misbah Khatana, the lead of the Khadijah Program, accepted the award on behalf of Pakistan and spoke passionately about the program’s significance. “Named after Khadijah, the first Muslim female international trader, the program draws inspiration from her legacy to encourage more women and women-led businesses to engage in global trade.” She outlined the program’s three pillars: Access to Information, Access to Financial and Digital Literacy, and Access to International Markets and B2B Connectivity.
A Proud Moment for Pakistan
Syed Aftab Haider, CEO of PSW, expressed pride in the program’s international recognition. “This prize is a great honor for Pakistan. The Khadijah Program reflects PSW’s multifaceted approach to transforming cross-border trade, and we are thrilled that our efforts have been acknowledged. We hope this award will help project a positive image of Pakistan within the international community.”
The Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is a flagship initiative of the Government of Pakistan, designed to simplify and streamline trade processes. It provides a single platform for submitting, processing, and approving trade-related documents, thereby enhancing the country’s global competitiveness and ensuring adherence to international trade standards. Through initiatives like the Khadijah Program, PSW is not only revolutionizing trade but also driving meaningful progress towards gender equality.
