By Tazmeen Javed
ISLAMABAD, Feb 1 (APP):As women constitute a major part of the population in Pakistan, their financial empowerment is the critical one but they are not enjoying economic opportunities offered by the developed countries to their this segment. However, there are so many examples where women in Pakistan are breaking the shambles and joining the workforce.
One such example is the initiative taken by a private entity, Friesland Campina Engro Pakistan which is on the path to transform the miserable lives of women while giving them serious knowledge about the income generation.
On that matter, an event was held the other day at Islamabad sponsored by Friesland Campina Engro Pakistan, where women from various social backgrounds, mainly impoverished shared their learning experiences, which later transformed their lives and making them economic independent.
The event which was held at Islamabad Seminar hotel was graced by the wife of the President, Begum Samina Arif Alvi as the chief guest. She lauded the efforts of Friesland Campina Engro for taking the lead and imparting critical knowledge to women about the livestock and related earning opportunities in this sector.
Sidra Iqbal, a veteran and vibrant anchor was the moderator, who later presided the panel’s discussion with the shortlisted women, who came from different districts of Punjab and Sindh, shared their respective stories.
One of the participants of Fresland Campina Engro, Mehrun Nisa, who hailed from Sahiwal district, Punjab, shared her ordeal which she suffered after a tragic accident her husband encountered. However, her husband survived but was seriously injured which could not led him to continue with the work.
Left despondent at first but reemerging with renewed hopes she [Mehrun Nisa] told that was the turning point of her life deciding to be the bread-earner herself and took up the task. With the help and needed guidance of ‘Friesland Campina Engro’ she partake in the initiative and learnt skills about the treatment given to the diseases which cows and buffaloes get infected with.
This she said proved to be very vital, which enhanced the milk quantity and improved the milk quality, when traded gave her substantial dividends to her, leading the income to grow. According to her she started with Rs 2,200 and now she is earning, Rs 22,000 monthly.
Tehmina, another participant belonging from Gujjar, Vehari district, sharing her story said her father was the only bread-earner for her family. She was the eldest one in her siblings, who after her father’s death decided to step out of her house and joined the Fresland Campina Engro’s work extension, which as per Tehmina taught her how to treat livestock animals when inflicted with various diseases. This she said gave her the confidence to launch her own Veterinary Store in the district, which with the passage of time got popularity and people started visiting her store for their animals treatment.
Initially, she[Tehmina] said, people used to be wary that how can a girl be able to work on the fields. But, now she said, she enjoyed the support of the people giving her the sense of empowerment. Tehmina further showed resolve to continue with her education, which she left due to the financial constraints, which were now over. She extended her thanks to Fresland Campina Engro and hoped that the latter’s concerned people would remember her in the future.
Many other dignitaries were also in the attendance including the minister for Food and Security, Fakhar Imam alongside managing director Friesland Campina Engro Pakistan, Ali Ahmed.
Addressing from the ceremony, first lady, Begum Samina Alvi appreciated Friesland Campina Engro for creating economic opportunity in Pakistan, further stating that she felt great amid so many empowered women, which is one of the beautiful sides of Pakistan.
Follow the PNI Facebook page for the latest news and updates.
