Japan has approved a $53,419 grant, worth around Rs. 14.8 million, to build a women’s vocational training institute in Chakwal, Punjab. The funding will support skills development and economic opportunities for women in rural communities.
The grant has been awarded to the Moawin Foundation under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme. Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi and a foundation representative signed the grant agreement at the Japanese Embassy in Islamabad.
New Institute to Train Rural Women
The project will establish a dedicated training facility in Village Dulmial, District Chakwal. The institute will offer courses in dressmaking, stitching and fashion design to women from nearby communities.
The local community has donated land for the facility. Authorities expect the institute to train around 240 women every year and provide them with practical skills to generate income.
Japan Supports Women’s Economic Empowerment
The Japanese embassy said rural women often face limited employment opportunities and greater economic and environmental challenges. As a result, many struggle to access practical training and stable sources of income.
Ambassador Akamatsu welcomed the community’s contribution and expressed hope that the institute would benefit local women and families for years. He also highlighted Japan’s commitment to women’s empowerment and grassroots human security.
The Moawin Foundation has worked with underserved communities across Pakistan and expanded its vocational training programmes over the years. Japan said it would continue supporting local organisations through the GGP programme to strengthen grassroots development.
