Pakistan's Meena Bazaar Comes to New York
June 29, 2001
New York—Recently, a delegation of 13 women business owners hand picked by the Pakistani Export Promotion Bureau (EPE) exhibited their products to U.S. buyers at the Consulate of Pakistan in New York. The visit was arranged by "Asian Women in Business," an organization dedicated to promoting the growth of small women-owned and women-run businesses.
The women, mostly from Lahore, were traditionally dressed, many of them wearing their own creations. On display at the Meena Bazaar (the term traditionally used for an exhibition of goods produced and sold by women in the women's quarters) were cotton and silk textiles that included rich tribal embroidery from the northern borders of the country, western style baby wear embroidered with Michaelmus daisies and delicate roses, table and bed linen with hemstitching and Lucknow shadow work, as well as jewelry, sporting goods, leather products, handicrafts and furniture. Most of the clothing was traditional in style and included very soft almost transparent silk shoulder scarves (dupata) with coral, peach, pink, turquoise and other jewel-toned fine stitching. These are beloved by women from the subcontinent, used with the Punjabi outfits and today with pants, explained an observer.
The exhibitors were welcomed by Consul General, HE Mohammad Hafeez, who praised their effort and said that they were helping their country by exporting its skills. He said times were difficult for many in Pakistan, and every bit of effort and help to the economy was greatly appreciated. He was especially delighted that women were stepping forward and becoming economically self-sufficient and generating work for others.
The selection of the delegation was based on their business track record, sound financial background and capacity to fill large orders for export. Many of the women already export to the U.S. and other countries. They came on this trade mission to promote their products and find more buyers. The exhibit lasted only one day, and was followed by a reception the following day for the women to meet with individual buyers.
The women, mostly from Lahore, were traditionally dressed, many of them wearing their own creations. On display at the Meena Bazaar (the term traditionally used for an exhibition of goods produced and sold by women in the women's quarters) were cotton and silk textiles that included rich tribal embroidery from the northern borders of the country, western style baby wear embroidered with Michaelmus daisies and delicate roses, table and bed linen with hemstitching and Lucknow shadow work, as well as jewelry, sporting goods, leather products, handicrafts and furniture. Most of the clothing was traditional in style and included very soft almost transparent silk shoulder scarves (dupata) with coral, peach, pink, turquoise and other jewel-toned fine stitching. These are beloved by women from the subcontinent, used with the Punjabi outfits and today with pants, explained an observer.
The exhibitors were welcomed by Consul General, HE Mohammad Hafeez, who praised their effort and said that they were helping their country by exporting its skills. He said times were difficult for many in Pakistan, and every bit of effort and help to the economy was greatly appreciated. He was especially delighted that women were stepping forward and becoming economically self-sufficient and generating work for others.
The selection of the delegation was based on their business track record, sound financial background and capacity to fill large orders for export. Many of the women already export to the U.S. and other countries. They came on this trade mission to promote their products and find more buyers. The exhibit lasted only one day, and was followed by a reception the following day for the women to meet with individual buyers.
