KARACHI, Sept 30: Four of the five schemes planned for women’s empowerment as part of the annual development programme are awaiting approval of the authorities concerned as only one of the projects was sanctioned during the last three months.

The women development department had submitted five schemes. The total cost of the schemes was estimated at Rs3,600 million though Rs27.4 million were allocated in the current financial year to initiate their implementation.

The scheme approved in principle envisages the establishment of working women hostels in every district of Sindh. With an estimated cost of Rs1,200 million, the scheme is aimed at providing safe and subsidised residential facilities to working women, who cannot afford separate accommodation far from their home.

The secretaries’ committee that met last week decided to launch the project by establishing women’s hostels in rented buildings without any further loss of time.

The four other schemes, which are part of the annual development programme and still awaiting approval, are establishment of women development complex, economic empowerment of women, building of shelter homes in every district, and advocacy for women’s empowerment.

The establishment of shelter homes in every district of Sindh has been planned with an estimated cost of Rs1,000 million to provide temporary shelter facilities to female victims of violence.

Women development complexes will be established in different parts of Sindh with an estimated cost of Rs1,000 million.

Sindh women economic empowerment project is aimed at ensuring sustainable income generation by developing market linkages. The advocacy for women’s empowerment scheme is expected to cost Rs100 million.