Women Empowerment

Community Women

Women’s economic empowerment is crucial for the development of Pakistan, as enhancing women’s participation in the labour force not only contributes to economic growth but also fosters gender equality. Recognizing the socio-economic needs of community women and providing them with opportunities for progress and success, we have initiated several successful programs. These programs not only contribute to individual empowerment but also elevate community living standards.

Empowering Women for Sustainable Change

The economic case for women’s empowerment is clear: aligning women’s workforce participation with that of men could potentially boost Pakistan’s GDP by 60% by 2025, with an estimated one-off 30% increase by closing the gender gap in labour force participation. Investing in women’s empowerment is not just for the present but a strategic move to secure Pakistan’s future. Our programs aim to empower women in the community as catalysts for sustainable change, focusing on basic literacy, job-oriented skills, and awareness about establishing enterprises. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Gender Equality, our efforts contribute to the global initiative for gender equality and empowerment, fostering a more equitable world.

Early Stage Learning: This program targets women aged 18-35 with no formal education, focusing on enhancing basic literacy and key skills using individual tablets equipped with specialized software. The impact includes improved understanding of personal information, joy in comprehending children’s lesson diaries, eagerness to self-educate, proficiency in writing sentences, and growing confidence in tackling curriculum stages. Many express interest in skills for family financial support.

Imparting Vocational Skills: This component is tailored to the community’s interests, aiming to provide them with proficient skills for decent job opportunities. Following on-field research, we identified adaptable skills, with IT and computer literacy chosen for the first cycle. The IT program aligns with TEVTA-approved courses and additional programs to enhance current skills and create new opportunities for participants.

Enterprise Development: This segment caters to women equipped with literacy and skills, aspiring to venture into entrepreneurship. The training encompasses fundamental aspects such as marketing, finance, business, and product development. Alongside, a small loan service supports startups, coupled with mentoring services. The objective is to empower women, enabling them to transform their literacy and skills into thriving entrepreneurial ventures, fostering economic independence and contributing to community growth.

Other Programs: We also conduct regular vocational and technical sessions, aiming to uplift the social and economic status of women. We provided training to 12 women in fields such as hairdressing, stitching and embroidery, sewing, computer literacy, beauty therapy, and culinary skills. Many women who completed these programs are now successfully running their own ventures.

Vocational / Technical Trainings

Digital Literacy: FBF bridges the digital divide by equipping illiterate women with basic literacy and technology skills through tablets.

Entrepreneurship Development: The Imarah Women’s Empowerment Program fosters entrepreneurial thinking and equips women to launch their own businesses.

Vocational Training: This course offers a 3-month in-house sewing class, providing women with income-generating tailoring skills. This vocational training empowers them financially, helping them build a sustainable livelihood through sewing.

IT Skills Development: In addition to these programs, FBF offers a dedicated IT course. This course equips women with valuable digital skills like Canva, MS Offce, and Inpage, making them more competitive in the job market.

UNDP- Artistic Milliners: Course will also equip participants with essential sewing skills, further enhancing their expertise in the textile industry. Over the past year, we have successfully provided this training to 49 women.

Generating Employment Alterna tives for Self-Reliance GEAR Trust initiative: The FBF and GEAR Trust team are dedicated to empowering underprivi leged individuals through innovative social business models. In Mehran Town, they collaborate on initiatives that foster self-esteem, dignity, and economic opportunities. The partnership with COSARAF on a microfinance program in Karachi is a testament to their commitment to promoting social innovation and creating sustainable livelihoods for women.

Memon Industrial & Technical Institute: The Fahmida Begum Foundation, in collaboration with Savaira, facilitated the enrollment of 5 beneficiaries at the Memon Industrial and Technical Institute. These women are now pursuing diverse, fully funded courses, ranging from IT and digital marketing to beautician skills, thanks to Savaira’s support. This initiative aims to empower women in need by providing them with valuable skills that can lead to income generation and improve the well-being of their families.