Empowering Rural Women Through Skill Development: Dunya Foundation’s In-Village Centers (IVCs)
In rural Pakistan, women face significant challenges in accessing education and employment. According to the World Bank, only 22% of women participate in the labor force, often due to cultural constraints, lack of opportunities, and financial limitations. Limited mobility and traditional gender roles further hinder their ability to gain skills and become financially independent.
Rural women often lack access to structured training programs that could help them gain financial autonomy. Many are dependent on seasonal agricultural work or low-paying informal labor, which does not provide long-term stability. To address these challenges, Dunya Foundation has launched In-Village Centers (IVCs) to provide women with vocational training, focusing on shoe stitching as a means to create sustainable livelihoods. The introduction of IVCs is a step toward bridging this gap by bringing skill development opportunities directly to their communities.
This initiative enables women to develop practical skills, fostering financial independence while allowing them to earn from home. IVCs not only improve household incomes but also contribute to local economies by creating a skilled workforce for the footwear industry. As participation grows, the foundation aims to expand these centers, ensuring skill-based empowerment reaches more rural communities.
By addressing gender-specific challenges and providing accessible skill development opportunities, Dunya Foundation’s IVC initiative is paving the way for a more inclusive and self-reliant rural economy. With continuous efforts, the foundation hopes to uplift countless women, giving them the tools they need to build a brighter, more independent future.