Meals on Wheels Business Model : Shafqat Parveen Story of Resilience and Success through Fairtrade NAPP Gender Leadership School Entrepreneurship Project for women

My name is Shafqat Parveen, and I was born and raised in a small village in Narowal, Pakistan. Growing up in a humble household, hard work, and perseverance were integral parts of our daily life. My father, a committed farmer, instilled in me the values of honesty, determination, and resilience. Driven by a strong desire to continue learning, I completed my high school education despite our limited resources. Although financial constraints prevented me from pursuing further studies, I refused to let this obstacle define my future. I remained steadfast in my belief that there laid other opportunities ahead, waiting to be explored.

After getting married and starting a family, I devoted my time to caring for my home and raising my two children. I embraced the responsibilities of family life with love and dedication, ensuring that my children were raised in a nurturing environment with the best possible upbringing. Despite my focus on my family, my ambitions never faded. I continued to seek opportunities to contribute financially, determined to find a way to balance my household responsibilities while pursuing my own goals.

I took a bold step when I decided to join the workforce at Anwar Khawaja Industries Pvt Ltd, a Fairtrade sports ball producer in Sialkot, Pakistan. Stepping into this role was a significant decision, but I was determined to succeed. I quickly became a skilled worker, demonstrating dedication, precision, and excellence in everything I did. My diligence and eagerness to learn earned me recognition as an asset to the organization. I took great pride in my work, and in doing so, I became a source of inspiration for other women in my community—those who, like me, aspired to enter the professional world and carve out their path.

Over time, I realised I had more to offer beyond my job. I wanted to pursue something that would enhance my financial stability, and also fulfill my entrepreneurial ambitions. Drawing inspiration from the “Meals on Wheels” business model, supported by the Fairtrade NAPP Gender Leadership School Program, I decided to take a bold step and start my own side business. Leveraging my culinary skills and passion for cooking, I began delivering homemade food through Foodpanda, an online food delivery service. What started as a small venture quickly grew into a successful business, providing me with a renewed sense of achievement and independence.

Managing a full-time job, a growing business, and a family was no easy feat, but I approached it with grace and determination. I carefully organized my time, ensuring that neither my professional responsibilities nor my family life were ever compromised. Through diligent planning and time management, I found a way to balance these multiple roles. I became a living example of how a woman can successfully juggle various responsibilities while excelling in each, demonstrating that with the right mindset, it is possible to thrive both personally and professionally.

As my business flourished and my career advanced, I remained committed to continuous growth. I focused on refining my skills, expanding my business, and setting new goals that would push me further. My entrepreneurial mindset, combined with my determination, set me apart as a true leader. Through my journey, I inspired other women to recognize their own potential and believe in their capabilities.

However, my journey was not without its challenges. I encountered numerous hurdles, from financial struggles to societal pressures that tested my resolve. Yet, I never allowed these difficulties to overshadow my dreams. With sheer perseverance and hard work, I overcame every obstacle that came my way. I proved that success is achievable with the right mindset, determination, and dedication, no matter how daunting the path may seem. Each challenge only strengthened my resolve to continue pushing forward.

Today, I stand as a role model for women in my community. My journey is a testament to the fact that determination, courage, and resilience can break barriers and open doors to new opportunities. Through my experiences, I continue to inspire countless women to pursue their dreams, embrace challenges, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families. My story shows that with persistence and belief in oneself, no goal is out of reach, and every obstacle can be turned into an opportunity for growth and success.