District Diamer in Pakistan is a remote, impoverished region. Gender is the organizing principle of society. Patriarchal values embedded in local traditions, religion and culture predetermine the social value of gender. KIDF has started training women in textiles, handicrafts and embroidery and have successfully marketed products. We believe that investing in women's economic empowerment is crucial for gender equality and women's rights, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth.
According to the World Bank, in 2014, women made up only 22.3% of the labor force in Pakistan. Female access to property, education, employment etc. remains lower compared to men's. The social and cultural context of Pakistani society has been predominantly patriarchal.Women have a low percentage of participation in society outside of the family. Gender inequality is larger issue in remote areas in, the people of District Diamer in Pakistan are conservative and women do not advance economically.
The project will train 240 home based entrepreneurs and equip them with necessary skills to make them financially independent. Women will base work on textiles, stitch clothes and create handicraft items which would be sold in local markets by KIDF Pakistan. heir work will be displayed in centers located in the city, connecting them with the other vendors. This home based entrepreneurship will build confidence and increase economic independence. This will slowly empower women to achieve more.
The project will improve the condition of women in the area creating opportunities and a wealth of knowledge to help reduce gender roles and discrimination. It will increase awareness about their rights and value in the society. Closed communities will become more receptive and informed gender equality and the human dignity. It will generate economic activity in the area, improving socio-economic conditions, leading to poverty alleviation, increased accessibility to education and schools.
This project has provided additional documentation in a DOCX file (projdoc.docx).
