02 October 2023: Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan inaugurated the Women's Initiative in Social Entrepreneurship (WISE) Bootcamp, a transformative program that aims to empower and uplift 400 women social entrepreneurs across 12 cities in Pakistan.
This innovative initiative equips women entrepreneurs with essential skills and business knowledge to effectively manage sustainable social enterprises. Through the WISE Bootcamp, Jazz and UNDP Pakistan are committed to fostering positive change and economic empowerment among women in Pakistan's social entrepreneurship landscape.
During the inauguration ceremony of the WISE Bootcamp, delegates from Jazz and UNDP Pakistan conveyed their enthusiasm for this dynamic initiative aimed at bolstering women's social entrepreneurs.
They imparted their valuable insights and wisdom, serving as a source of motivation and inspiration for the participants of the WISE Bootcamp.
Mustafa Mahmood, Officer In Charge, Crisis Prevention and Recovery Unit from UNDP Pakistan said “One of the key messages from the SDG 2030 Agenda is indeed partnerships; no-one can achieve the inter-related and inter-dependent sustainable development goals alone and that is why we need to ensure that many more actors play an important role in achieving the SDGs. This initiative is an excellent example of just that, bringing together the private sector, civil society, and young social entrepreneurs.”
During the boot camp, 25 women entrepreneurs from twin cities actively participated in four days of vigorous sessions. These sessions covered a wide array of essential concepts. Participants explored concepts such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and social entrepreneurship, learning how to effectively manage finances, employing human-centered design principles for problem-solving, establishing strong branding and customer engagement strategies, and harnessing the power of marketing and digital transformation. Additionally, they gained insights into problem identification techniques and stakeholder mapping, equipping them with a comprehensive toolkit for personal and professional growth.
Implemented by School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF), these boot camps will help encourage women entrepreneurs to enhance their skills and expand their networks through practical, hands-on learning experiences and interactive exercises. This approach will equip them to run sustainable businesses and apply their skills to real-life business scenarios.
On the occasion, Syed Fakhar Ahmed, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer at Jazz, said, “We’re pleased to extend our partnership with the UNDP for the second cohort of the program as such associations strengthen our purpose of empowering Pakistani women and help them leverage technology to improve their lives and livelihoods. At Jazz, we work with a firm belief that financially empowered women can play a pivotal role in the country’s socioeconomic uplift.”
The stories of success that emerge from this boot camp are expected to inspire others to follow in the footsteps of these trailblazing women. Jazz and UNDP are confident that the collective efforts of these entrepreneurs will create a ripple effect, leading to positive and lasting changes in their communities and beyond.
The WISE Bootcamp is a testament to Jazz and UNDP’s commitment to promoting gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable development in Pakistan. The collaboration aims to foster an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive, ultimately contributing to the nation’s progress.