Rural women artisans from all over Pakistan – from the mountains of Kalash to the deserts of Thar – have come to Karachi to showcase and sell their work at the Karachi Night Market by LADIESFUND at Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim Park, as part of the All Fruit, Flower and Vegetable show organized by KMC and Horticulture Society of Pakistan.
Free and open to the public, citizens of Karachi were invited to attend free to support these courageous women as well as a gift to the community.
100 stalls of women entrepreneurs from across the nation including some delicious food stations as well made for a perfect family outing this weekend.
“It is important for us to support the economy during these difficult times, especially the SME women entrepreneurs and rural artisans who in many cases have struggled the most during lockdowns.
Thanks to DG Parks Taha Saleem and the amazing men and women behind the scene, we are able to hold Pakistan’s first ever night market is a safe, huge, open air park with plenty of space for social distancing,” said Tara Uzra Dawood, President of LADIESFUND, who is the visionary behind the Karachi Night Market.
DG Parks Taha Saleem ensured safety for all, providing free masks and encouraging social distancing.
“People need entertainment and enjoy our culture,” said Masood Lohar, Founder, Clifton Urban Forest.
“Karachi Night Market has offered an avenue not only for skilled women across the country including Kailash to present their handicrafts to Karachites but also added cultural diversity to the ongoing flower show,” added Irshad Sodhar.
“Let’s all make sure that we support these talented women by purchasing their craft, and remind people that Karachi is truly the city of dreams.
No commission is taken by the organizers and 100% of proceeds will directly go to these dynamic women of Pakistan. Our culture has existed for thousands of years.
Let’s all make sure our traditions continue,” said Ms. Dawood, whose LADIESFUND is working on technological solutions to connect sales for all women of Pakistan.
LADIESFUND is also planning night markets in other cities, as well as striving to facilitate these women to apply for loans through the State Bank of Pakistan women SME scheme.
