The LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship (LCE) has concluded its Women Leadership Programme (WLP) with a closing ceremony celebrating the achievements of 216 women professionals from Pakistan’s textile industry. Supported by GIZ Pakistan and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the initiative aimed to strengthen women’s leadership and management capabilities across Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, and Sialkot.
The programme provided participants with practical training in communication, strategic thinking, negotiation, conflict management, decision-making, and team building while promoting stronger collaboration between academia and industry. Speaking at the ceremony, LCE Director Jazib Zahir highlighted the importance of entrepreneurial thinking and industry-academia partnerships, while GIZ Pakistan Project Head Muhammad Ubaid reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment.
The event also featured a panel discussion on emerging trends in Pakistan’s textile sector, with experts from academia and industry examining sustainability, global market demands, and the importance of inclusive workplace practices. Programme participant Amal Zulfiqar shared how the initiative strengthened her confidence and leadership skills.
Post-programme assessments revealed significant improvements in leadership competencies, with many participants assuming greater workplace responsibilities. Notably, 97% reported mentoring or supporting other women after completing the programme. To sustain its impact, LCE has established city-based peer support groups to encourage ongoing networking, mentorship, and professional development across Pakistan’s textile sector.
