Islamabad, Feb 28: The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) is expanding its efforts in women’s empowerment through strategic initiatives aimed at fostering economic independence, social inclusion, and leadership. Partnering with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), an intergovernmental organization hosted by Canada, SPARC is advancing digital literacy, vocational training, and financial access for women to strengthen their roles within society.
At the core of this collaboration is the Empowering Women and Girls Project, a transformative initiative designed to promote gender equality (SDG5) by enhancing access to education, improving economic opportunities, and advocating for women’s rights. Targeting marginalized communities in Hyderabad, Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, the project seeks to dismantle gender-based barriers, challenge discriminatory norms, and equip women and girls with the skills necessary for self-sufficiency and leadership.
Midway through the project’s implementation, significant progress has been recorded across five participating countries Pakistan, Malawi, Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. To date, 46,156 women and girls have received vocational and livelihood training, 12,734 have gained access to financial opportunities, and 7,213 have been trained in agricultural skills. These initiatives have played a crucial role in enhancing women’s resilience and fostering sustainable economic growth within marginalized communities.
As part of the initiative, SPARC hosted an international delegation comprising representatives from Malawi, Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The visit facilitated knowledge exchange, allowing delegates to engage with local communities, observe project initiatives firsthand, and explore collaborative strategies to further strengthen gender equality efforts.
A seminar held during the visit featured prominent speakers discussing gender equality, education, and women’s empowerment. Among the notable attendees were Sasha Oliveira, Second Secretary of the High Commission of Canada to Pakistan; Dr. Fouzia Saeed, a social scientist; Fajer Pasha, a leading social entrepreneur; and Frances Ferriera, who leads COL’s Empowering Women and Girls Project. Their insights reinforced the importance of investing in women’s education and economic independence as a means of fostering long-term societal progress.
SPARC and COL’s joint initiative highlights their commitment to creating lasting change, ensuring that women and girls are not just beneficiaries of development but active contributors to their communities’ growth and resilience.
