ISLAMABAD: In an effort to financially empower women, a stitching centre was inaugurated in the capital on Wednesday. The centre has been established by Pakistan Baitul Mal in cooperation with the Turkish government.

Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Atta Marri and Turkish Ambassador Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul along with his spouse inaugurated the centre. President of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (Tika) Muhsin Balci who is supervising the project on behalf of the Turkish government was also present on the occasion.

The PBM has established 161 women empowerment centres (WECs) throughout the country. The best items prepared in these centres will be brought to the stitching unit for necessary alteration, finishing, packaging and price tagging and the same will be sold out at a centralised commercial location in the capital city.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ms Marri said the project would serve as a milestone in the journey of women towards economic emancipation and self reliance.

“It is the vision of PPP to bring women to the mainstream of the society so as to ensure economic stability in the country,” she said while paying tribute to all working women.

The modern era demands innovative interventions for high quality professional skills andPBM is now implementing this concept to establish stitching units for on-ground and online selling of the finest products prepared in WECs throughout the country.

She appreciated PBM and Tika for making effort towards the betterment of poor women. Ms Marri highlighted the strong historic, cultural and religious between Pakistan and Turkey. She highly appreciated the humanitarian services of Tika and talked about various collaborative initiatives it had taken with PBM.

The Turkish ambassador appreciated PBM’s efforts towards empowerment of women in the country. He shared stories from his experience while working in Pakistan and extending support to the vulnerable populace. He said the sustainable partnership with PBM for social services would continue in the time to come.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2022