A new centre which aims to cater to the needs of deserving young women of the capital and adjoining areas was inaugurated on Sunday to mark the International Women’s Day.
The Women Development and Empowerment Centre (WD&EC), which has been has been established by the Pakistan Baitul Maal (PBM) on Lehtrar Road, was inaugurated by Minister of State for Information and Technology and Telecommunication Anusha Rehman.
The centre offers courses in computer, embroidery, sewing and cooking, among other skills.
A well-equipped IT lab with 20 computers has also been set up in the centre where highly trained staff would impart advance training to the entrants.
The minister said women comprised 50 per cent of the population and the government was taking solid steps to improve their lot by opening them avenues.
PBM Managing Director Pakistan Barrister Abid Waheed Sheikh said that 158 vocational training centres throughout the country were currently offering services for women development.
He said that all these centers have now been revamped by introducing modern technologies.
Waheed also said that a pilot project “Great Homes” has been introduced in Lahore for homeless senior citizens. Two more such centres would be opened in Karachi and Islamabad soon, he said.
MNA Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, senators, members of provincial assemblies and a large number of people from nearby localities attended the event.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2015.