Bridging Gaps: The Pak-China Women’s Development Initiative
The Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at empowering women in both nations. The Pak-China Women’s Development and Employment Initiative seeks to address gender disparities and unlock the untapped potential of women in technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial fields, under the overarching Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
At a meeting in Lahore, Zafar Iqbal, PCJCCI’s Vice President, emphasized the urgent need for structured opportunities for women, particularly in underdeveloped areas like Balochistan. He highlighted the potential to create a synergistic partnership between China’s vocational expertise and Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage in sectors like textiles and handicrafts. Through this initiative, women will be provided with free short-term courses in areas such as garment design, food processing, handicrafts, IT, and language training, with a particular focus on young women in underprivileged areas.
One of the key aspects of this initiative is its connection to the development of Gwadar, which is set to become a hub for trade and industry. The programme envisions a future where women from regions like Gwadar can take part in the growing tech and craft industries, contributing to the development of both nations. With real-world success stories such as Ayesha Khan, a young entrepreneur from Lahore, the programme has the potential to transform the lives of countless women. Khan expressed her hopes that the initiative could help her scale up her handmade jewellery business by offering formal training and access to digital platforms that could connect her to international buyers.
Moreover, this initiative holds great promise for fostering collaboration between Chinese and Pakistani entrepreneurs. As exemplified by Li Wei, a clothing designer from Hangzhou, there is great potential to exchange knowledge, particularly in the areas of e-commerce, digital platforms, and traditional craftsmanship. Both sides aim to create a sustainable ecosystem where women can access markets, funding, and mentorship, with the goal of launching small businesses or partnering with established industries.
However, societal challenges, particularly in rural Pakistan, remain a significant hurdle. The PCJCCI is aware of these limitations and plans to work with local NGOs and community leaders to overcome cultural barriers and encourage family support for women pursuing education and employment. The training programme will include flexible schedules and online courses to cater to women in conservative areas who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions.
The initiative is set to train 50,000 women across both countries by 2026, with the overarching goal of increasing female participation in BRI projects by 30%. This forward-thinking initiative underscores the critical role that women play in driving economic growth and cross-cultural cooperation. "When women win, our nations win," said Li Wei, emphasizing the smart economics of women’s empowerment.