The Blue Fair Exhibition Expo was organized by the industrious Multan Women Chamber of Commerce. The expo took place at the Multan Garrison Mess (MGM) from the 1st to the 3rd of March 2022. The aim of this expo was to give positive exposure to the women entrepreneurs of the region. Taking advantage of the expo, female artists and small business owners enlightened the visitors about their products, services and their outreach to less fortunate women.
The extravaganza hosted dozens of stalls from major Pakistani banks, and SMEDA. The latter showcasing the handy work of women artists, how to tackle export and registrations documentation and the banks offering easy loans and financial facilities to women entrepreneurs on the fringes of the economy.
The exhibition also served to showcase the rich and vibrant culture of the South Punjab region. Various “Naqqash” artists and carpet weavers graced the event with their goods and demonstrated how they work their magic. The “Kashi Gari” (Blue Pottery), leatherwork and hand woven fabrics on display were exquisite and tasteful.
The First Lady of Pakistan her Excellency Mrs. Samina Alvi honored the city of Multan by officially inaugurating the event. Her message of an empowered and economically vibrant Pakistan galvanized all those present. She especially praised the women activists, the organizers and the artisans who had taken time out of their lives to put together such a display of girl power. Mrs. Alvi was especially impressed by the organization and the quality of wares at the exhibition.
Beaconhouse College Program (BCP) Multan campus had the honor of attending and assisting the organizers. The Idara-e-Taleem-o-Agaahi (ITA), an NGO which focuses on education of teenage girls left behind by the system and elevating young children through the tradition of “Dastaan Goi” (Story Telling) was assisted by BCP students as they helped organize and carry out story telling sessions with various Beaconhouse School campuses.
The story telling sessions were attended by Beaconhouse Newlands, all Beaconhouse School branches and students from the SOS Children’s Village School. The BCP students not only helped organize these sessions but also took an active part in the story telling and arts and crafts being offered to the students. The experience of helping to elevate young minds was enriching for BCP students. The look of admiration and respect in the eyes of young students for their seniors were a sight to behold. The efforts of BCP students were appreciated by the organizing committee and awarded certificates in a ceremony full of pomp and show.
The exhibition ended with all of us gaining even more admiration for the women of Multan and learning how supremely talented and capable Pakistani women are.
