Empowering Women in Gwadar: CPEC Investment Creates Opportunities for Female Employment
In a groundbreaking development within the social sector, the women of Gwadar have found employment in a local garment factory, paving the way for a more dignified life in society. Operating since 2020, the Gwadar Women Factory, also known as the Gwadar Women’s Development Employment Center, is a collaborative effort between the Chinese Consulate in Karachi and the Gwadar Women Development Organization of the China Overseas Port Holding Company.
This initiative is a direct result of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), driven by the vision of promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in recipient countries, as reported by Gwadar Pro. A Chinese official at Gwadar port emphasized that such endeavors align with China's commitment to women's mainstreaming and empowerment under international law within the BRI framework.
P.c. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
The Gwadar Women Garment Factory boasts state-of-the-art sewing equipment, a well-lit and spacious environment, a management office, and a storage area. It has quickly become the talk of the town, serving not only as a new avenue for training unskilled women but also allowing semi-skilled female tailors to refine their stitching skills to meet modern demands.
Balqis Iqbal, a senior worker at the Gwadar Garment Factory, shared her experience, stating, "Working at the Gwadar Garment Factory has not only allowed me to earn a respectable income but has also enabled me to send my children to school and contribute to our household expenses, which have been challenged by rising prices. This newfound financial independence has elevated my status within my family, and I am no longer seen as a burden but as a self-supporting provider, thanks to the unique Gwadar Women Garment Factory."
Supervising this remarkable venture is Zaitoon Abdullah, a local woman and social worker in Gwadar. In an exclusive interview with Gwadar Pro, she highlighted that the factory's impact on women's empowerment is nothing short of remarkable. Providing free pick-and-drop services to all its female employees, the factory has garnered trust within the community. Rahim Baloch, another social worker in Gwadar, echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the safety of the women in their workplace, underlining the role of Chinese and Gwadar Port Operator.
Assistant Manager Zaitoon Abdullah noted that tailoring, a creative and rewarding career choice, has opened up opportunities for skilled women professionals in Gwadar who have a passion for working with fabrics. With their expertise in creating garments that meet client expectations, these women have a promising path in various upscale garment industries in Pakistan.
Over the past two years, the Gwadar Garment Factory has become highly efficient, catering to the uniform needs of Chinese companies' workers in Gwadar Port. Additionally, the talented women tailors are crafting traditional Pakistani male attire as souvenirs for Chinese dignitaries to wear on special occasions, boosting revenue through intricate embroidery work.
Zaitoon Abdullah emphasized that Gwadar's women are exceptionally talented but previously lacked a platform to showcase their skills. While many of the women are not highly educated, they joined the center with dreams of self-improvement and family betterment, diligently working to turn those dreams into reality.
Yu Bo, the chairman of COPHC, recognized the Gwadar Garment Factory as a starting point for women to achieve financial independence, allowing them to play a pivotal role in improving their living standards and combating poverty. This innovative initiative stands as a testament to the power of women's empowerment and the positive impact it can have on both individuals and the community at large.