GRASP Gender Seminars Balochistan
Quetta (July 31 2025)
Quetta, July 31, 2025 — In a powerful display of federal-provincial collaboration, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), in partnership with the Government of Balochistan, successfully hosted a two-day seminar series on July 30 and 31 under the theme: “Women’s Economic Empowerment and Building Sustainable Ecosystems for Women Entrepreneurs.”
Held in Quetta under GRASP (Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress) project, the event sought to strengthen policy dialogue, institutional support, and community engagement to enhance the role of women, especially in entrepreneurship, agriculture, and livestock as key drivers of economic development.
The first seminar took place at the Governor House on July 30, bringing together notable federal and provincial leaders, including the Governor of Balochistan, the Federal Minister for Education, Federal Ministry of Poverty Alleviation, Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Provincial Minister of Education and the Advisor to the Chief Minister on Women Development.
The second seminar, held on July 31, featured the Speaker Provincial Assembly Balochistan, the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Federal Ministry for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety of Pakistan, the Deputy Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly, along with continued participation from the federal and provincial leadership, civil society, academia and media.
The two-day series attracted broad participation from women entrepreneurs, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and community leaders, establishing it as a truly inclusive, cross-sectoral platform for change.
A central feature of both seminars was the exhibition of women led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) supported by the GRASP project. These stalls showcased diverse ventures in agriculture, livestock, food processing, and traditional crafts, reflecting the ingenuity and resilience of women entrepreneurs across Balochistan.
Visiting the exhibition, the Governor of Balochistan stated:
“Women across Balochistan are playing a vital role in agriculture and rural enterprise. Their efforts must be matched with sustained institutional support and policy recognition.”
Echoing this, the Speaker of Provincial Assembly Balochistan emphasised:
“Women’s empowerment is not only a social priority but an economic necessity. We are committed to creating a policy environment where women-led businesses can thrive sustainably.”
The seminars highlighted the critical need to develop sustainable and inclusive ecosystems that enable women to participate fully in economic life.
Key discussions focused on access to finance, digital tools, markets, training, land rights, and gender-sensitive policies for sectors like agriculture and livestock.
The Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training remarked:
“Education is the first pillar of empowerment. By integrating entrepreneurship and vocational skills into our education system, we prepare women not just to earn but to lead.”
Federal Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety of Pakistan added: “Economic empowerment begins at the grassroots. When women are equipped with tools, knowledge, and ownership, entire communities advance.”
Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola called for strategic interventions:
“We need laws and budgets that are not symbolic but strategic grounded in data, evidence, and political will to uplift women, especially in rural sectors.”
The Advisor to the Chief Minister on Women Development stressed:
“This is about system-building, not short-term projects. Whether it’s livestock value chains or digital inclusion, women must be central to all development planning.”
DG Public Relation and Secretaries of different government departments like Women Development, Planning and Development and Agriculture also graced the event. While the Secretary of Women Development Department said, “The department is fully aligned with government priorities for inclusive and sustainable development for economic growth of the province.” Secretary of Agriculture acknowledged the gap in recognition of women’s contributions:
“Women have historically been under-recognized in agriculture and livestock. Our focus now is on making these sectors truly inclusive and gender responsive.”
The seminars were further enriched by active engagement from academia, including faculty, students, and researchers who brought evidence-based insights into policy, market access, and gender equity. Their contributions introduced long-term perspectives essential for systemic reform.
In addition, the strong presence of civil society organizations and community leaders ensured that discussions remained grounded in real world challenges and aspirations transforming the event from a policy forum into a community informed call to action.
Balochistan Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Economic Empowerment
The Government of Balochistan reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s development and economic inclusion during a high-level seminar series held in Quetta under the EU funded GRASP project which is being implemented International Trade Centre in partnership with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). The two-day event was jointly organised by PPAF, Government of Balochistan and Paigham-e-Pakistan. The seminars brought together federal and provincial leaders who together shared their learnings and discussed pathways to move forward with an integrated approach. Event also saw participation from civil society, and women entrepreneurs to explore pathways for inclusive growth across agriculture, livestock, and enterprise sectors.
Representing women in Balochistan and government’s mandate Dr. Rubaba Khan Baledi, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Women Development emphasised the importance of institutionalising support for women across all levels of planning and implementation. “This is about system-building, not short-term projects. Whether it’s livestock value chains or digital inclusion, women must be central to all development planning. Without embedding gender equity in governance and economic planning, sustainable development will remain out of reach” she stated. Speaking to the ceremony, Ms. Ghazala Gola, Deputy Speaker Provincial Assembly, Balochistan echoed the need for strategic action, calling for gender-responsive policies and dedicated budgets. “We need laws and budgets that are not symbolic but strategic, policies and actions grounded in data, evidence, and political will to uplift women, especially in rural sectors. Only then can we close the gap between intent and impact” she noted. Ms. Saira Atta, Secretary Women Development Department also graced the event and reaffirmed the department’s mission to institutionalise gender representation across all government departments.“We will ensure women’s representation at every level and foster stronger inter-departmental collaboration to deliver meaningful change. his is not just a gender issue it's a governance imperative” she stated.
The Ministry of Women Development and women political representatives from Balochistan strongly resonated with PPAF’s mission of fostering inclusive economic growth and advancing women’s empowerment. Their active participation underscored the Government of Balochistan’s collective will to strengthen gender-responsive governance and create an enabling environment for women-led growth in agriculture, livestock, and enterprise sectors. The event also featured exhibitions of women-led SMEs supported by GRASP, showcasing innovation and resilience from across the province.
By convening diverse actors and reinforcing leadership at the highest levels, the seminar series marked a signi¬cant step forward in shaping inclusive and sustainable development pathways with women leading the way.