CHITRAL: Women from Lower Chitral have taken an important step towards economic independence after completing vocational training under the Ba-Ikhtiyar Women Project at the Drosh Institute of Computer and Technical Education.
A total of 34 young women completed the programme, including 20 who received training in garments and fashion designing and 14 in food processing and value addition.
The initiative also provided participants with training in digital literacy, digital marketing, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, life skills and leadership, equipping them with practical skills and greater confidence to pursue livelihood opportunities.
Funded by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and implemented by Takal Welfare Organization (TWO), with technical support from the Institute of Rural Management (IRM), the project also received support from PTCL, Ufone and UBank.
As part of efforts to promote digital connectivity and financial inclusion, the supporting organisations provided participants with smart mobile phones, Ufone SIMs and UBank accounts.
The certificate distribution ceremony was attended by Assistant Commissioner Drosh Muhammad Ali as chief guest, along with representatives of the Female Education Department and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, participants and organisers emphasised that vocational training alone was not sufficient to ensure sustainable livelihoods. They called for continued support from the government, financial institutions, private-sector organisations and development partners to connect women with financing, markets and mentoring opportunities.
They said such support could help participants turn their newly acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods, increase household incomes and achieve greater financial independence.
Related:
50 Women in Upper Chitral Trained in Dress Designing, Digital Skills
Canadian support reviewed for women’s training centre in Chitral