Dr. Madeeha Malik is our Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) alumna. She is an inspiring lady who is currently working as the CEO of Cyntax Health Projects, a CRO and Corporate firm registered with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and SECP.

From her exchange program, she realized that to be an entrepreneur only an idea is not enough; it asks for enabling environment, resources, and mentorship to make that idea work. She is highly indebted to AWE for providing her with mentoring, resources, and enabling environment to transform her idea into reality. “My experience with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs was marvelous. It was indeed one of the best entrepreneur mentoring programs I have ever attended,” shared Madiha.

All the modules taught during the program focused on all the important components for developing a sustainable business model. She won the seed funding which helped her to launch 1st body positivity support program in Pakistan by the name “The Healthy Body and Mind Project” which aims to confront unrealistic appearance ideals and engage individuals in the development of a healthy body image as well as improve mental health by offering different organic products, screening, and treatment services.

The funding helped in customer acquisition as well as in the launch of a new social initiative by launching an app for promoting body positivity among the masses. Out of the total population of Pakistan, where 49 % are women, unfortunately, only 1 % of them are entrepreneurs. This disparity is due to a lack of opportunities, funding, and appropriate mentoring for women to become entrepreneurs. Keeping this scenario in view and one of the beneficiaries of AWE, she acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of AWE and the US embassy for women entrepreneurs of Pakistan. “I highly recommend all women entrepreneurs to join this program to polish their skills for achieving their dreams; as the sky is the limit.” Dr. Madiha.