Maryam Nawaz unveils “SEHR” programme to empower women across Punjab
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has officially launched the “Skill Enhancement Through Home Reach” (SEHR) programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at providing home-based vocational and digital training to women across Punjab.
The project has been introduced under the Women Development Department to help women become financially independent without having to leave their homes.
Rs970,000,000 project to train thousands of women
The provincial government will spend more than Rs970,000,000 on the programme to increase women's participation in the skilled workforce.
Under the initiative, 5,365 women from urban, semi-urban and remote areas will receive market-oriented vocational training that matches current industry needs.
Courses in hospitality, beauty and digital skills
Women enrolled in the programme will receive training in hospitality, beauty services and digital technology.
In collaboration with ITHM, a subsidiary of the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), 1,260 women will complete hospitality courses covering culinary arts, baking, guest relations, front desk operations and airline management.
The first batch has already completed training in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and Gujranwala.
The government has also partnered with Nail Bar to train 2,065 women in beauty services, including hairstyling, skincare, makeup and nail art in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Multan.
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Digital training with laptops and monthly stipend
Another 2,040 women will receive a six-month digital skills course through the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF).
Participants will be provided with laptops, internet devices, data packages and a monthly stipend during the training period.
The programme will also teach e-commerce using Daraz and Shopify, English language, product research and financial literacy to prepare women for online business opportunities.
Special preference and job placement
The government said widows, divorced women and women belonging to minority communities will receive priority during admissions.
After completing the training, participants will also receive job placement support to help them enter the workforce or start their own businesses.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said economically empowered women are essential for the development of Punjab and Pakistan.
She expressed hope that women completing the programme would become financially independent and contribute positively to society.
