Family Festival Celebrates Women-Owned Online Businesses in Karachi

A one-day family festival held in Karachi emphasized women’s empowerment through women-led stalls and online businesses. The event featured 29 booths selling a variety of items, including food, clothing, perfumes, jewelry, and crafts.

The festival brought together families, young entrepreneurs, and creative women who utilize digital platforms to turn their skills into sustainable income sources. At some stalls, sisters managed the business jointly while others involved married couples in responsibilities, reflecting collaborative family entrepreneurship approaches.

Seventeen-year-old Isra Faisal operates a handmade jewelry venture. She turned her childhood interest in art and craft into a profitable online enterprise. “I started making jewelry for myself and eventually sold it,” she explained. “As a woman, using digital platforms is essential; it helps me understand my strengths and recognize them.” She earned more than what she initially invested, focusing on various types of jewelry.

Fiza Hussain, alongside her sister, launched their resin art handbag business just three months ago for self-empowerment purposes. They created handmade beaded bags and resin-art-based jewelry, explaining the process requires two to three days per bag and market surveys.

Maheen runs a fizzy flower venture; she attributes much of her success to her family, particularly her mother-in-law’s support. Maheen learned the art through social media at home in her free time before turning it into an online business last year. She received orders quickly and gained confidence.

The festival’s organizer, Afzal Javed, highlighted its goal of providing a platform for talented women to showcase their talents. He noted that all 29 booths featured independent female managers with supportive male family members present.

Owais Suriya’s online business started post-Covid-19 lockdowns and has no need for physical shops due to the benefits of digital selling. He advises new entrepreneurs: “Don’t overthink; just start, as every step is crucial.”

The event showcased how women are taking control of their entrepreneurial journeys through digital platforms, emphasizing family support and shared management responsibilities among female entrepreneurs.