Samina Fazil, Founder President at Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry: A Visionary Leader Empowering Women in Business

With a profound dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering an enabling environment for their growth, she has been serving as the Founder President of the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IWCCI) since January 2000. Over the past 17 years, under her visionary leadership, IWCCI has evolved into a powerhouse of knowledge, experience, and benefits for its members.

Education and Early Career:

Samina Fazil holds a Masters's degree in World Comparative Religion, for which she was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal. Her journey into the world of entrepreneurship began in 1989 when she ventured into the supply of readymade garments in the market. However, her entrepreneurial spirit truly shone in 1990 when she took a bold step to open her own outlet for readymade garments. At that time, the market was predominantly male-dominated, and Samina was a trailblazer, becoming the first woman in the twin cities to establish such an outlet. This endeavor was not without its challenges, as there was limited support available for women in business. Undeterred by the obstacles she faced, Samina resolved to work tirelessly towards creating an exclusive chamber for women entrepreneurs.
Additionally, she is the CEO of Misha's Collections, demonstrating her entrepreneurial prowess beyond her chamber leadership.

Founding IWCCI:

In 2000, Samina Fazil embarked on a mission to establish the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry. At that time, there were no legal provisions for the formation of separate women chambers in Pakistan. Undaunted, she personally advocated with the government of Pakistan, emphasizing the importance and necessity of women's chambers in the country. Her unwavering commitment paid off when, in 2007, the law was amended to accommodate the provision for women chambers. In 2009, IWCCI received formal recognition and a license, thanks to Samina's relentless efforts.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs:

Under Samina's leadership, IWCCI has grown from its modest beginnings with just five members to now catering to over 350 women entrepreneurs in the twin cities. She has dedicated herself to establishing an inclusive and welcoming environment where women can join without hesitation, become members, and receive valuable support in establishing and marketing their businesses at local, national, and international levels.

The Role of IWCCI:

IWCCI, under Samina Fazil's guidance, acts as an institution where women entrepreneurs, regardless of the scale of their businesses, come together to share their experiences, failures, and success stories. It serves as a platform where the secrets of turning failures into triumphs are exchanged, fostering a spirit of solidarity and growth among its members.

Achievements:

Samina Fazil's outstanding contributions extend beyond her role as the Founder President of IWCCI. Her notable achievements include:

Currently serving as the Chairperson of UBG Women Wing.

Pioneering the movement for separate women chambers in 2000 and advocating with the government for their establishment.

Instrumental in amending the law in 2007 to recognize women chambers.

Presented a country paper in Japan in 2000.

Contested the Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) election in 2002.

Trained more than 500 urban and rural women.

Former Committee Member of the State Bank in Islamabad & Rawalpindi.

Member of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Committee and Advisory Committee at Bahria University.

Led 12 international delegations of women entrepreneurs.

Organized approximately 25 lifestyle exhibitions and 5 mega expos in Islamabad.

Samina Fazil is a true champion for women's economic empowerment and a catalyst for change in the business landscape. Her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have paved the way for countless women to thrive as entrepreneurs, making her an inspirational figure in Pakistan's business community. Her legacy is not only the success of IWCCI but also the countless women entrepreneurs she has empowered throughout her remarkable journey.