Nadia Patel Gangjee
Nadia Patel Gangjee is a highly accomplished and influential entrepreneur, renowned for her unwavering
commitment to advancing women's empowerment and fostering entrepreneurship. With a background
in therapeutic tutoring and marketing, Nadia transitioned into the tech industry, where she made a
significant impact by founding Pakistan's pioneering online marketplace for women in 2015. Through this
platform, she facilitated the growth and expansion of numerous home-based women entrepreneurs,
leveraging technology to overcome societal and familial barriers.
Nadia Patel Gangjee's dedication to empowering women and her commitment to advancing
entrepreneurship in Pakistan has had a profound impact on countless aspiring and budding women
entrepreneurs. Her visionary leadership and tireless efforts have made her a prominent figure in the field
of women's empowerment, and her work continues to inspire and uplift women across the country.
INTERVIEW
As the founder of Pakistan's first online marketplace for women, you have played a pivotal
role in fostering women entrepreneurship in the country. Can you share with us the
inspiration behind starting this platform and the impact it has had on empowering women
in Pakistan?
The inspiration behind starting Pakistan's first online marketplace for women came from witnessing the
untapped potential of home-based women entrepreneurs. I noticed that many talented women were
unable to pursue full-time careers due to family and societal pressures. By providing them with an online
platform, we aimed to empower these women to monetize their talents and achieve financial
independence. The impact has been tremendous, as we have enabled thousands of women to grow and
expand their businesses, breaking free from traditional limitations.
The creation of FEMPROW reflects your commitment to providing localized
entrepreneurship education and support for women. Could you tell us more about the
specific programs and initiatives offered by FEMPROW to help women entrepreneurs
develop their skills and grow their businesses?
FEMPROW offers a diverse range of programs and initiatives to support women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.
We provide online trainings with bite-sized courses that focus on the foundations of entrepreneurship
and business. Additionally, we organize offline skill-building trainings and workshops on
entrepreneurship, leadership, technology, marketing, operations, team building, finance, and soft skills.
Through our support circles, we have created a growing community of women, mentors, and experts who
network and learn from each other through online channels, local networking events, and expert-led
discussions. Our goal is to equip women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed
in the business world.
The Facebook Community Leadership Program recognized your exceptional vision and
selected you as a Fellow. How has this program enhanced your ability to make a positive
impact on women entrepreneurship in Pakistan, and what key learnings have you gained
from being a part of this global community?
The Facebook Community Leadership Program has been a transformative experience for me. Being
selected as a Fellow has not only provided me with valuable resources and funding but has also connected
me with a global community of like-minded leaders. Through this program, I have learned from the
experiences and best practices of other community leaders, gaining insights that have further
strengthened my impact on women entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
FEMPROW places significant emphasis on networking and community building among
women entrepreneurs. How do you facilitate these connections, and what role do
mentorship and peer support play in helping women succeed in their entrepreneurial
endeavors?
Networking and community building are vital aspects of FEMPROW's mission. We facilitate connections
among women entrepreneurs through our online platforms and organize local networking events where
they can interact, share experiences, and form valuable connections. Mentorship plays a crucial role in
our community, as experienced professionals offer guidance, support, and advice to aspiring women
entrepreneurs. Peer support is equally important, as women can learn from each other's journeys,
exchange ideas, and find inspiration within a supportive network.
Collaboration and promotion of women-owned businesses are crucial aspects of
FEMPROW's mission. Could you share some examples of successful collaborations with
local and international organizations, and how these partnerships have benefited women
entrepreneurs?
Collaboration and promotion are key elements of FEMPROW's approach. We collaborate with esteemed
local and international organizations to create opportunities for women entrepreneurs. By partnering
with these organizations, we offer promotional opportunities for women-owned businesses, such as
highlighting them on social media, participating in joint campaigns, and showcasing their brands to a wider
audience. These collaborations not only raise awareness of women entrepreneurs but also provide access
to new markets and resources.
Women face unique challenges when it comes to balancing family and societal
expectations with their entrepreneurial aspirations. How does FEMPROW address these
challenges and provide a supportive environment for women who want to pursue their
entrepreneurial dreams?
FEMPROW acknowledges the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in balancing family and
societal expectations. We strive to address these challenges by providing flexible learning opportunities,
allowing women to pursue entrepreneurship at their own pace. We also organize workshops and
discussions that focus on work-life balance, time management, and strategies for overcoming social
barriers. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we empower women to navigate these
challenges and achieve their entrepreneurial aspirations.
In your experience, what are some of the key barriers that women entrepreneurs in
Pakistan encounter, and how does FEMPROW work towards overcoming these obstacles
and fostering an inclusive and supportive ecosystem?
Women entrepreneurs in Pakistan often face barriers such as limited access to finance, gender biases,
and cultural constraints. FEMPROW works towards overcoming these obstacles by providing knowledge
and resources on funding options, conducting awareness campaigns to challenge gender biases, and
promoting inclusive entrepreneurial practices. We also collaborate with financial institutions and
advocate for policies that support women's economic empowerment. Through these efforts, we strive to
create a more conducive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.
As a leader in the field of women entrepreneurship, what changes or improvements do
you hope to see in the landscape of women's economic empowerment in Pakistan in the
coming years?
Looking ahead, my hope is to see a significant shift in the landscape of women's economic empowerment
in Pakistan. I envision increased access to funding for women entrepreneurs, a reduction in gender biases
and stereotypes, and a supportive ecosystem that encourages women to pursue their entrepreneurial
dreams without fear or limitations. By continuing to expand FEMPROW's reach and impact, I aim to
contribute to this transformation and create more opportunities for women to thrive in the business
world.
Looking ahead, what are your future plans and aspirations for FEMPROW? Are there any
new initiatives or expansions on the horizon to further empower and support women
entrepreneurs in Pakistan?
In the future, FEMPROW plans to expand its initiatives and reach even more women entrepreneurs across
Pakistan. We aim to develop advanced courses and specialized training programs to cater to the diverse
needs of women in different industries. We also plan to establish strategic partnerships with international
organizations to bring global expertise and resources to our community. Furthermore, we aspire to launch
mentorship programs that provide one-on-one guidance and support to aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Through these efforts, we aim to empower women on a larger scale and contribute to sustainable
economic growth in Pakistan.
Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring women entrepreneurs in Pakistan who may
be hesitant to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions?
My advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs in Pakistan is to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Surround yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and
encouragement. Don't be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Seek out resources and
educational opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. And most importantly, persevere
through challenges and setbacks, as they are an inherent part of the entrepreneurial journey. Remember
that your ideas and contributions are valuable, and by pursuing your entrepreneurial ambitions, you can
create a positive impact not only for yourself but for society as a whole.