QUETTA: The UNHCR Representative in Pakistan, Noriko Yoshida on Thursday inaugurated a skills development project for local and Afghan refugee women in Quetta.

The project is aimed at improving their skills and income-generating capacity.

It is pertinent to mention that this is UNHCR Pakistan’s first-ever agreement with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, a private sector partner based in the United Arab Emirates, to conduct a project to support and empower marginalised Afghan refugee and local women through skill enhancement in Balochistan.

The project will benefit 100 Afghan refugee and Pakistani women. These women will not only be trained but also be given monthly stipends to support their family while they work.

Approximately, 100 skilled and semi-skilled women will be taught how to weave carpets in two skill centres at Ghoasabad and Hazara Town. The UNHCR Representative Yoshida visited the skill training centre at Ghoasabad in Quetta and formally inaugurated the project where the female artisans will be trained and guided to produce Emirati-inspired designs.

She also interacted with the women present there and exchanged views on how this project will make a difference in their lives. The Representative assured that UNHCR will continue to implement projects that empower women.

Further on, commending NAMA’s contribution and its role in empowering women socially and economically through such projects, she added that, “The outcomes and impact of such initiatives are always beneficial. The project will enable these women to stand on their own feet as well as support their families in a dignified manner.”

Newspaper: The Express Tribune