By Rafiq Vayani
MILAN, Italy: Tara Uzra Dawood, president of the Dawood Global Foundation and founder of LADIESFUND, recently visited Milan to engage with Pakistan’s diplomatic leadership and diaspora community as part of efforts to expand support for women entrepreneurs abroad.
During her visit, she met Consul General Murad Baseer to discuss ways to connect with Pakistani women in Milan and the possibility of launching LADIESFUND Milan. The initiative aims to provide a platform for networking, mentorship and business development.
Discussions also covered potential Italy-Pakistan collaborations, including webinars on sustainable fashion and the preservation of art and cultural heritage.
Speaking about the visit, Ms Dawood said, “Connecting Pakistani women across borders is critical to unlocking their full economic and creative potential. Milan, as a global hub of fashion and design, offers a powerful opportunity for collaboration. Through LADIESFUND Milan and our planned initiatives, we aim to create meaningful platforms for women to lead, innovate, and thrive internationally.”
Mr Baseer welcomed the initiative, saying, “It was a pleasure meeting with Ms. Dawood and learning about the impactful work of Dawood Global Foundation, particularly with regard to women entrepreneurs and her Educate a Girl initiative. We are happy to support her by facilitating connections between expat women in Milan and Pakistan.”
Ms Dawood also met his wife, Nadia Abbasi, a philanthropist known for organising women-focused exhibitions, including a large-scale showcase of women-led small businesses in Zimbabwe.
Ms Abbasi said, “It is inspiring to see initiatives like LADIESFUND creating real pathways for women to grow their businesses and visibility. I look forward to supporting efforts in Milan that bring together creativity, entrepreneurship, and community among women from diverse backgrounds.”
The visit is part of broader efforts to strengthen cultural and economic ties between Pakistan and Italy, with a focus on women-led enterprise and creative industries.
