KARACHI: ‘LADIESFUND’ gathered 150 women professional and entrepreneurs, representing sectors of pharmaceutical, medical, financial, multinational, art, fashion and beauty industries, as well as several millennial students and young professionals, to network, showcase and see the work of SME artisan craftswoman and to fundraise to educate deserving girls. “The event was also an opportunity for young women entrepreneurs across the nation to showcase their artisan initiatives at the Creative Women of Vision showcase presented by Butterfly,” said LADIESFUND President Tara Uzra Dawood. The women highlighted this year include Rubina Kausar from Zed Mars, Anjum Rana from tribal Truck art and Sara from Sara’s Henna. “Sara’s white henna was not only trendy, but added a stylish 3D reflective element to the evening event. Also, showcased at the event was catering by M’s Kitchen, a new foodpreneur which specializes in peri peri bites and bite size hors d’oeuvres. Specially created for this event were marzipan strawberries and floral cupcake baskets that were served to guests,” a press statement said. The women empowerment and educational event was created to bring career women together with opportunities for mutual respect, glamour and to strengthen a community of pride for working women in Pakistan. LADIESFUND’s partnership with Butterfly also brought a Women’s Health awareness message and significance to the event. Amin Gulgee made a special appearance at the event, speaking of the importance of women supporting women. Gulgee is a strong advocate of women of character and strength, often citing his iconic mother as an example of a strong, inspiring woman of substance. Choreographer and PR Maven Hasan Rizvi also stopped by to kick off the celebratory elements of the event as well as to encourage the women to be bold and confident. “I am surprised by just how confident Pakistani women are,” Rizvi said in retrospect, noting the crowd with pride. The celebrity also judged and presented the ‘best dressed’ prize at the event which went to Nighat Shaida, one of the owners of Scentsation. She was gifted with a special spa package for Allenora Spa and Salon, another example of women entrepreneurs supporting other women entrepreneurs and the important cause of education. Comedian Akbar Chaudhry made a late cameo to the great delight of guests. His brand of humour and appreciation for men and women provided additional charm to the evening. There was great business development from the event with women professionals placing orders from entrepreneurs, mentorships formed especially as large numbers of millennials attended the event, and many professional friendships made, as well as a lively dance party sponsored by FM91 under the trendy Despacito theme. FM91 is a radio station run by Sara Taher Khan, another inspiring woman entrepreneur who supported this case. Published in Daily Times, October 18th 2017.