QUETTA: The Baloc­h­istan government has announced the establishment of a Women Emp­o­werment Fund with a seed money of Rs53,700,000 to promote women-owned bus­i­n­e­sses.

Under the progra­m­me, interest-free loans of Rs500,000 will be given to each woman running a business, Women Devel­opment Department Secretary Sardar Ahmed Bugti said, while addressing an event organised by the Balochistan Rural Support Progra­m­me (BRSP) in collaboration with UN Women at Millennium Shopp­ing Mall, Quetta.

The secretary also announced that the establishment of women economic markets in seven divisional headquarters of Baloc­histan was in its final stages.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tahir Ras­hid and Naima­tullah of BRSP briefed the guests about the progra­mme.

They said the event is aimed at highlighting the importance of business among women, providing them with opportunities to progress, and helping them face challenges.

Women from 11 districts of the province participated in the event where they set up 15 stalls showcasing embroidered clothes, jewellery, and other items.

Additionally, products such as frames, diaries, purses and clothes, prepared by women trained under various BRSP and UN programmes, were also displayed.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2024