As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's a perfect opportunity to highlight the incredible achievements of women who are breaking barriers and leading the way in their respective fields. Today, we honor Sehrish Ali, a young General Secretary of the Pakistan eCommerce Association, Creative Director at Delogics, and Business Development & E-commerce Expert based in Lahore, Pakistan. Her journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.

Personal Achievements:

Sehrish Ali has made significant strides in both her personal and professional life. She pioneered healthcare e-commerce in Pakistan, revolutionizing access to healthcare services through digital platforms. As the General Secretary of the Pakistan eCommerce Association (PEA), Sehrish has been instrumental in shaping the policies and development of the e-commerce industry. Her leadership in major industry events, such as the eCommerce Symposium 2024 and the Cross-Border eCommerce Event at the Karachi Expo Center, showcases her commitment to advancing the sector.

In recognition of her contributions, Sehrish was awarded Best Business Development and Digital Marketer in Pakistan (2023) and received a Gold Medal in Project Management. Representing Pakistan at eCommerce Tech Week in Singapore, she proudly showcased the country's digital potential on a global stage.

Overcoming Challenges:

Sehrish's journey has not been without obstacles. Breaking into the male-dominated e-commerce and business landscape was a formidable challenge. Many doubted a woman's ability to lead in such a fast-paced, tech-driven industry. However, Sehrish proved her worth through strategic execution, data-driven decision-making, and relentless perseverance. By collaborating with key industry leaders and leveraging digital innovation, she successfully led the transformation of Pakistan's healthcare e-commerce sector.

Inspirations and Motivations:

Sehrish draws inspiration from women who break barriers in every field. Leaders who create spaces where none existed before and the resilience and innovation of entrepreneurs and changemakers motivate her to push forward. Mentoring young women and witnessing their success fuels her passion for advocating equal opportunities in tech and business.

Impact and Contributions:

Sehrish has made substantial contributions to her community and industry. She has been a staunch advocate for the growth of e-commerce in Pakistan, particularly in healthcare and digital trade. Through digital transformation strategies, she has helped thousands of businesses scale their operations. Sehrish has also organized industry networking events and summits to empower professionals and startups and has mentored aspiring women entrepreneurs to enter the e-commerce and digital marketing space.

Key Projects and Initiatives:

Sehrish has played a pivotal role in several key projects and initiatives:

• Pakistan eCommerce Association (PEA): Leading policy discussions and industry collaborations to strengthen Pakistan's digital economy.

• Global Digital Awards (GDA): Recognizing and celebrating excellence in e-commerce, digital marketing, and tech innovation.

• Delogics: Providing 360° digital solutions to businesses, ensuring their success in an ever-evolving marketplace.

• eCommerce Symposiums & Summits: Bringing together industry leaders, startups, and tech innovators to share insights, trends, and strategies for business success.

Perspectives on Gender Equality:

For Sehrish, International Women's Day is a reminder of progress, a celebration of women's achievements, and a call to action for the challenges that remain. She believes that key challenges women face today include equal opportunities in leadership roles, access to funding and resources for female entrepreneurs, work-life balance expectations, and breaking stereotypes in executive and tech-driven roles.

Steps Toward Gender Equality

Policy Reforms: Sehrish believes that policy reforms are crucial for supporting women in business and leadership roles. Implementing policies that encourage female participation in the workforce, providing equal opportunities for women in leadership positions, and ensuring that businesses adhere to gender equality standards can create a more inclusive environment. These reforms can help dismantle systemic barriers that have historically hindered women's progress in various industries.

Mentorship Programs: Guiding young women entering tech and e-commerce is another vital step. Sehrish advocates for mentorship programs where experienced professionals can offer guidance, support, and advice to aspiring women. Such programs can help build confidence, provide valuable industry insights, and create a network of support. By connecting mentees with mentors, young women can navigate their careers more effectively and overcome challenges with the help of seasoned professionals.

Safe Work Environments: Creating safe work environments is essential for empowering women to lead. This includes implementing and enforcing policies that prevent harassment, discrimination, and any form of workplace violence. A safe and respectful workplace encourages women to take on leadership roles, express their ideas freely, and contribute to their fullest potential without fear of retaliation or prejudice. It fosters a culture of respect and inclusion that benefits everyone in the organization.

Education and Skills Development: Bridging the gender gap in digital and financial literacy is critical for achieving gender equality. Sehrish emphasizes the importance of education and skills development programs that equip women with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel in the digital age. By providing access to training in technology, finance, and digital marketing, women can become more competitive in the job market and take advantage of emerging opportunities. These programs can also help women start their own businesses and become financially independent.

Advice and Insights

Believe in Your Potential and Take Bold Steps: Sehrish advises young women to believe in their capabilities and not to shy away from ambitious goals. Confidence in one's abilities is a key driver of success, and taking bold steps can lead to significant achievements. By setting high aspirations and working diligently towards them, young women can break through barriers and make their mark in their chosen fields.

Network Aggressively and Connect with Mentors and Industry Leaders: Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth. Sehrish encourages young women to actively seek out opportunities to connect with mentors, industry leaders, and peers. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, provide access to valuable resources, and offer support and guidance. It's an effective way to gain insights into industry trends and build relationships that can help advance one's career.

Master Digital Skills to Gain an Edge: In today's digital age, having expertise in technology and digital marketing is a significant advantage. Sehrish recommends that young women invest time in mastering digital skills to stay competitive in the job market. Whether it's learning about e-commerce, digital marketing, or data analytics, being proficient in these areas can provide a substantial edge and open up new career paths.

Don’t Fear Failure; Use Setbacks as Learning Experiences: Failure is an inevitable part of any career journey, and Sehrish advises young women not to fear it. Instead, they should view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Each challenge faced and overcome can build resilience and provide valuable lessons that contribute to long-term success. Embracing failure with a positive mindset can lead to continuous improvement and personal development.

Balancing Work and Personal Life:

Sehrish balances work and personal life through prioritization, time management, and ensuring that the time spent with family and friends is meaningful.

Future Goals and Aspirations:

Sehrish aims to continue leading and expanding Pakistan's e-commerce industry, further digitize healthcare services, empower more women in e-commerce, and represent Pakistan on global platforms.

Final Thoughts:

Sehrish Ali's journey as a woman in leadership has been filled with challenges, but each obstacle has made her stronger. She is committed to breaking barriers, driving digital transformation, and empowering the next generation of women leaders in e-commerce and business. The future is digital, and Sehrish believes that women must be at the forefront of this transformation.

On this International Women's Day, we celebrate Sehrish Ali and all the incredible women who continue to inspire and lead the way. Their contributions are invaluable, and their impact is profound. Here's to recognizing their achievements and paving the way for a future of equal opportunities.