SWABI: The crux of speeches in the inaugural session of three-day training for females of the district in the Women University Swabi (WUS) on Thursday was that rural women are central to national food security, agricultural productivity, and economic stability so their technical capacity-building and empowerment are essential to achieve the desired result and enable them to earn their livelihood with dignity and honour.

The training was organised by UN women with collaboration of WUS. The Thai ambassador, Rongvudhi Virabutr, was chief guest in the inaugural training session, who also addressed the session.

The envoy was accompanied by Ms Kamolwan Sriposil (minister-counsellor), Mr Chonnakant Lertsatit (second secretary) and protocol officer Mazher Rafiq Sanjrani.

The ambassador appreciated the UN women’s collaboration and said that the joint partnership with the women university reflected a shared vision of empowering rural communities as to strengthen their economic position in the society.

Thai envoy says climate change reinforces need for women farmers training

“Agriculture is the backbone of the economy in both Pakistan and Thailand, and women are the true strength of this sector but in the face of present climatic changes they need training and guidance,” he said.

He emphasised that women face several challenges, including limited land ownership, restricted access to modern technologies, inadequate marketing opportunities and the impacts of climate change which has changed the world landscape.

He noted that professional training and economic empowerment of women were crucial, as empowered women strengthen not only their families but also the entire community.

From Thailand, agricultural expert Ms. Jennifer Innes-Taylor participated as the lead trainer and conducted hands-on sessions.

She trained the participants in regenerative agriculture, soil health improvement, crop diversification and transforming small farming units into effective sources of income.

Her guidance and expertise—supported through UN Women’s programmatic partnership were widely appreciated by the trainees.

The participants and guests termed the programme a significant and encouraging development; expressing the hope that this UN women supported initiative would play an important role in strengthening the economic well-being of women farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Prof Ghazala Yasmeen, vice chancellor of Women University Swabi, inaugurated the training workshop for women farmers and highlighted the vital role women play in the agricultural sector.

She stated that the purpose of this initiative is to equip women with modern, sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.

The other speakers laudedthe organisers, UN women and partner institutions for their support, calling the training programme an important step toward positive change in the practical lives of women farmers.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2025