By Rida Zainab | Associate, Resource Mobilization
Dear Supporters,
Across Pakistan, persons with disabilities (PWDs) continue to face barriers in accessing income-generating opportunities, despite having strong skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential. Through NOWPDP’s Khudmukhtari initiative, which focuses on supporting the self-employment of PWDs, we continue working to connect individuals with opportunities that enable them to earn independently and build sustainable livelihoods.
As part of this initiative, we organized Apni Rah, Apna Safar, an event aimed at giving visibility and market access to entrepreneurs with disabilities. The event showcased 23 businesses including paintings, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and other handicrafts created by PWDs, allowing them to present and sell their work directly to the community. The event also featured a live Kathak dance performance by a self-taught dancer and performer with a physical disability.
Supporters and visitors engaged with the artisans, gaining a deeper understanding of their skills, journeys, and the potential of disability-led enterprises. Additionally, earnings from all sales went directly to the participating artisans.
“I am deaf and developed my handcrafting skills when I was young. Painting was my passion but complications with my hands made it difficult to continue. Instead of giving up, I discovered a new way to express my creativity. I started crafting jewelry using my palm. It’s a skill I taught myself. Today, I felt immense pride sharing my journey at the event and seeing visitors appreciate my work.” -R****, Jewelry maker and entrepreneur.
There are many more PWDs who aspire to start or grow their own businesses but lack access to resources, tools, and support. Your support will allow us to enable more individuals to set up income-generating enterprises, strengthen their skills, and move toward long-term financial independence. Together, we can support persons with disabilities to build businesses of their own and shape their futures on their own terms.
With gratitude,
Team NOWPDP
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