Day: February 14, 2024

LAHORE  –   Rural Community Development Programme (RCDP) reaffirmed its commitment to the empowerment and financial independence of women with the distribution of 25 interest-free auto- rickshaws in a simple yet impactful ceremony held at Scheme More Branch Multan Road on Tuesday. Led by Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Murtaza Khokhar. The event marked another significant step towards fulfilling RCDP’s mission to uplift and support women across the province of Punjab. In his address, Muhammad Murtaza Khokhar emphasized the pivotal role women play in society, constituting more than 50 percent of the population. He reiterated RCDP’s unwavering dedication to empowering women, recognizing that their economic independence is fundamental to the overall development of communities. “Our efforts are laserfocused on providing women with the tools and opportunities they need to shape their destinies,” he stated, underscoring RCDP’s multifaceted approach to empowerment. Muhammad Murtaza Khokhar highlighted the strides RCDP has taken in fostering inclusivity and gender equality, with initiatives ranging from vocational training programs to entrepreneurship support. He emphasised the importance of breaking down systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress, advocating for policies that promote equal access to education, healthcare, and economic resources. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts involving government, civil society, and private sectors to create an enabling environment for women to thrive. “By harnessing the potential of our female population, we not only uplift individuals but also entire communities,” he said. Concluding with a call to action for sustained commitment towards gender parity. As applause filled the room, it was evident that Muhammad Murtaza Khokhar’s words resonated deeply, inspiring renewed determination to champion the rights and empowerment of women across the region. RCDP has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at fostering women’s entrepreneurship, offering comprehensive support through access to interest-free loans and tailored training programmes. By enabling women to embark on various business ventures, RCDP aims to not only enhance their economic prospects but also foster a culture of self-reliance and resilience. Kashif Riaz Malik, representing Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), commended RCDS’s efforts, highlighting the transformative impact of empowering women on socio-economic development. He emphasised the importance of collaborative endeavours between organizations and educational institutions to drive positive change and create opportunities for marginalized communities. The distribution of interest-free auto-rickshaws symbolizes RCDP’s unwavering commitment to fostering women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion. By equipping women with the means to generate income and pursue their aspirations, RCDP aims to catalyze positive change at the grassroots level, ultimately contributing to the broader development agenda of the nation.

Source: The Nation

Islamabad: The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) commemorated National Women’s Day by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Multan Division (WCCIM), an organization established for the economic development of Women Entrepreneurs in South Punjab, for the support of women entrepreneurs.

The MOU was finalized by Chairperson NCHR, Rabiya Javeri Agha, while attending the two-day Blue Fair in Multan hosted by the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Multan Division (WCCIM).

The Blue Fair provides a platform for the women entrepreneurs of South Punjab to showcase their unique products, alongside exposing them to networking and financial support opportunities with industry professionals and international organizations.

This year, the fair hosted over 200 stalls carrying handmade garments, unique jewelry, the iconic blue pottery of the region and other items. The Blue Fair assisted in income generation and increased business exposure for home-based women entrepreneurs who often hail from vulnerable communities. The President of WCCIM, Mahnaz Amir Sheikh, said that the Blue Fair is a great opportunity for female entrepreneurs to showcase their products on a national level.

According to the Labour and Human Resource Department Punjab, home-based workers are amongst the most exploited group of workers in Pakistan. They constitute a major segment of labour deployment in the informal sector of the economy, and they have remained largely invisible in the workforce. As per experts, only 2% Pakistani women owned land and only 13% women availed financial and bank services in 2021. Additionally, despite women constituting 50% of microfinance clients, only about 5% of the microfinance loan portfolio went to female borrowers. Often, loans taken in women’s names are used by male relatives, trapping women in cycles of debt. These statistics emphasize the need for the financial education and inclusion of women in business.

The collaboration with WCCIM is part of NCHR’s ongoing efforts to promote Human Rights in Business and spread education on Human rights, particularly women’s right to inheritance and equal opportunity. The partnership with WCCIM will focus on fostering gender equality in business sectors by empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals. Under this collaboration, special attention will also be given to providing vocational training and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities.

Source: The News