It was in 2013 that Ladiesfund introduced for the first time in Pakistan the Speed Networking Luncheon,
Chatter Matter
It was in 2013 that Ladiesfund introduced for the first time in Pakistan the Speed Networking Luncheon, which replicated the Harvard-style speed networking where more than 100 guests were seated face-to-face to network with each other, with a ringer every five minutes for the attendees to rotate to the next conversation. Last year, a ‘star’ component was added to introduce mentoring aside the speed networking.
Just like every year, recently, Dawood Global Foundation (DGF) and the British Deputy High Commission, Karachi partnered to host Pakistan’s premier women professionals and entrepreneurs’ Speed Networking Luncheon 2016. This year, a new concept has been introduced of Sheryl Sandberg’s much lauded global movement ‘Lean In’ to Pakistan. Sheryl Sandberg’s ‘Lean In’ movement encourages women to embrace and seize career defining opportunities.
Ladiesfund Women of Inspiration 2016, Ayesha Khan, Masarrat Misbah, Moneeza Butt, Ronak Lakhani, Sania Maskatiya, Spenta Kandawalla, Syeda Sarwat Gillani, Zeba Bakhtiyar and Zeba Hussain, were the ‘star mentors’ at the event, along with fellow ‘star’ Ladiesfund Momentum Award winner Shafaq Habib.
More than 100 women professionals and entrepreneurs from leading multi-nationals, retail, medical, accountancy, legal sectors, NGOs and youth programmes gathered to form professional friendships, meet potential clients and build/strengthen their network for career advancement purposes. Rukhsana Asghar chaired the event and there were shared stories by Spenta Kandawalla and Asma Sheikh.
During the event, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. John A. Tucknott MBE said, “We are delighted to partner with LADIESFUND(r) once again to host the Star Speed Networking Luncheon and look forward to many such partnerships in the future. Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals have become an important driver for economic growth and job creation within Pakistan. We congratulate the successful, talented and dynamic women of Pakistan today for not only enhancing their lives, but help Pakistan build a brighter and more prosperous future.”
The event was also an opportunity for young women entrepreneurs across the nation to showcase their artisan initiatives at the luncheon. Some of these included, Beddingz, Blue Beads Crafts, Meena Kari, Ashlamour, Reflection Accessories, Splash of Colours by Ayeza, Salt Secret (Hubsalt) and Artilicious.
And the best part is that the funds generated from this event will be utilized towards the charitable efforts of DGF for women advancement. To date, DGF has educated 900 deserving girls to become journalists through its Educate a Girl programme 250 in Nigeria.
Kudos to the entire team for pulling off such a successful event!
