Fairtrade NAPP at the Forefront of Women’s Empowerment at WE EXHIBIT 2025, Pakistan
Fairtrade NAPP, as a strong advocate for ethical trade and equitable growth, has consistently worked to promote the rights and capacities of producers and workers across the Asia-Pacific region. Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI), Sialkot in August 2023, Fairtrade NAPP has actively engaged in a series of collaborative initiatives, including WE EXHIBIT 2023, 2024, and now, WE EXHIBIT 2025.
This year’s theme—“Empowering Tomorrow’s Possibilities” at WE EXHIBIT—resonated deeply with our core objective: to create sustainable development opportunities through Fairtrade principles, especially for women and youth in marginalized communities.
The exhibit offered a dynamic blend of innovation and creativity across sectors such as technology, arts, sustainability, and education. It encouraged participants to ideate, innovate, and inspire change for a better and more inclusive future.
Event Highlights:
- Inspiring Keynotes: Leading voices from various industries shared their journeys and insights.
- Interactive Exhibits: Visitors experienced cutting-edge technology and practical demonstrations.
- Workshops & Panels: Engaging sessions with industry leaders fostered learning and dialogue.
- Networking Opportunities: A platform for collaboration among entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers.
- Awards Gala: Recognition of outstanding achievements through the prestigious WCCI Excellence Awards.
Bringing Fairtrade to the Forefront
As one of the official sponsors, Fairtrade NAPP participated with a Gold Stall, which became a focal point for hundreds of visitors interested in ethical trade, sustainable business models, and producer empowerment.
The stall showcased diverse information about Fairtrade NAPP’s role in advocating for better prices, decent working conditions, environmental sustainability, and gender equity across its network of producers. Visitors engaged with real-world stories from the Fairtrade supply chain, gaining insights into how conscious consumer choices can directly support communities and change lives.
The booth was supported by five young volunteers from Fairtrade sportsball producer organisations- Vision Technologies and Talon Sports. These passionate youth members offered their time and energy to explain Fairtrade principles to attendees, demonstrating a new generation's growing commitment to ethical business.
Championing Women in Business
One of the event’s most powerful moments was the panel discussion titled “Rising Without Limits: Women Leading Beyond Business,” where Sarah Anum, Fairtrade NAPPs Country Program Manager, served as a key panelist. Her words offered a powerful narrative on the challenges women face in trade and how Fairtrade initiatives are breaking down barriers and creating platforms for women to lead with confidence and impact.
Sarah highlighted Fairtrade NAPP’s work in capacity building, leadership training, and market access support for women producers across Pakistan, emphasizing that true progress means more than inclusion—it means empowerment.
Recognition & Impact
During the closing ceremony, Madam Maryam Noman, President of WCCI Sialkot, presented a shield of recognition to Fairtrade NAPP, honoring its pivotal role as a long-standing partner in the WE EXHIBIT series. The recognition symbolized not just a successful partnership, but a shared vision for a future where women-led businesses thrive, and sustainability and ethics define the marketplace.
Mr. Assad Bajwa, CEO of South Asia Sourcing Pvt. Ltd.,
Mr. Assad Bajwa, CEO of South Asia Sourcing Pvt. Ltd., was also in attendance and praised both WCCI and Fairtrade NAPP for their efforts in promoting responsible business practices and empowering communities through collaboration.
