Amidst the challenges of rural life in Pakistan, three remarkable women have defied the odds, emerging as beacons of hope and catalysts for change. Their stories perfectly encapsulate the theme of the 2024 International Women's Day: "Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress," showcasing the profound impact of empowering rural women.
Naseem Mai, a 35-year-old from district Multan, Punjab, struggled to support her family of six due to financial constraints compounded by her husband's illness. However, upon discovering the Tazgi Women Open School (WOS) by FAO Pakistan, part of the Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilience Agriculture and Water Management project funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), she embarked on a journey of learning homestead gardening techniques. With FAO's support, she embraced sustainable practices such as organic sprays and composting to grow seasonal vegetables.
The results were astonishing. During the Rabi season, Naseem managed to save approximately PKR 138 000 (USD 495) from vegetable sales. These savings provided much-needed relief, covering daily expenses and her children's education.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Busmeela Bibi, a mother of five, defied societal norms and transformed her modest vegetable-selling venture into a thriving global business. Despite facing familial challenges, including her husband's disabilities, she seized opportunities presented by FAO’s Livelihood and Food Security Improvement Fund for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Merged Districts and the Flood Affected, a USAID-funded project aimed at enhancing agricultural and livestock practices to improve livelihoods, especially for vulnerable groups like women and youth.
Through FAO's training and mentorship, Busmeela honed her skills, focusing on producing high-quality goods for international markets. By bypassing middlemen and collaborating directly with exporters, she ensured a steady income.
Busmeela's dedication paid off, with her profits soaring and her business evolving from a local market stand to a global exporting enterprise. With newfound financial stability, she aspires to expand her business and uplift other women in her community.
Meanwhile, in Pishin, Balochistan, Bibi Rozia's journey from sheep farming to a successful woolen shawls business epitomizes resilience and empowerment. Through the FAO's GRASP project, funded by the EU and implemented by the ITC, Bibi Rozia received agricultural training, shattering gender barriers and paving the way for rural development and sustainable progress.
Starting with small-scale operations, she added value to her wool, expanding into hand-knotted carpets and eventually becoming a master trainer, empowering others in her community. Inspired by a visit to Swat, she ventured into hand-embroidered shawls, which garnered increased demand and partnerships. Today, her business significantly contributes to the local economy, serving as a testament to the transformative power of determination in rural development.
FAO's commitment to gender mainstreaming is evident through these women's stories. Their resilience and innovation serve as inspiration to support initiatives that empower women, nurture entrepreneurship, and foster inclusive growth. Together, through collaboration and dedication, we can forge a brighter future for all, enhancing production, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life, leaving no one behind.