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PESHAWAR, Nov 26 (APP):In a rapidly evolving world where social, political, and economic landscapes continue to transform, Pakistani women are steadily breaking long-standing barriers through the power of education.
From classrooms to civil service, beauty parlours to business start-ups, and hospitals to government offices, women are reshaping not only their own futures but also that of their communities and the nation through education and vocational skills.
Among these inspiring changemakers is Fozia Bibi, a talented entrepreneur from the remote Laspur village of Upper Chitral.
Defying conventional constraints, she has built a thriving woolen garments enterprise that not only supports her own household but also provides employment opportunities to dozens of skilled women from surrounding villages.
Fozia completed her BS in Gender Studies from the University of Peshawar and launched her woolen garments business in 2008.
Her unit crafts traditional Chitrali items such as Chitral caps, chughas (overcoats), jackets, sweaters, shawls, and more made from pure wool sourced from yaks, buffaloes, and cows.
Using both traditional craftsmanship and innovative techniques, she produces organic handmade items that appeal to national and international buyers. The demand for these wool garments increased during winter.
Speaking to APP, Fozia explained that her designs meet modern standards, but she hopes for greater government support so she can expand her market across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
She currently markets her products through social media platforms and collaborates with various NGOs to explore new opportunities.
Her message to women is simple yet powerful: “With hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Skills empower women to live with dignity.”
Fozia’s journey reflects a broader story that one where education and economic independence uplift not just individuals, but entire families and communities.
Nishat Bibi, a tailor master of Nowshera, was overjoyed after her sweater garments shined in the wake of the biting cold.
She said that people take interest in handmade sweaters due to their durability and warmth.
Across Pakistan, hundreds of thousands of women and girls are making similar strides in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and public service.
Experts agree that women’s empowerment is central to sustainable development.
When women participate fully in society, they strengthen economies, promote social progress, and inspire positive change.
Access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political representation enables them to reach their full potential.
According to a spokesman for the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), more than 400 pre-feasibility studies have been prepared to promote self-employment and strengthen the SME sector nationwide, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Key allocations include Rs 89.24 million for AC and generator rental service centers, Rs 7.94 million for bread and biscuit manufacturing units, and significant support for dairy farms—Rs 51.75 million for farms with 25 cows and Rs 166.64 million for farms with 100 cows, helping establish environmentally controlled shelters and boost milk and dairy production.
Former Advisor to the Chief Minister on Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, Mashal Azam Yousafzai, told APP that women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possess an impressive range of skills from traditional crafts such as embroidery, weaving, and pottery to modern professions like medicine, education, and entrepreneurship.
She said that KP’s women continue to overcome cultural and societal barriers through resilience and determination. Their leadership and ability to mobilize communities, she said, are instrumental in bringing about positive social change.
Mashal added that the provincial government is strengthening TEVTA and has included a mega project in the 2025–26 budget to expand technical education opportunities for women across the province.
As stories like Fozia’s continue to emerge from the mountains of Chitral to the plains of Punjab, one message becomes increasingly clear that empowering women is not optional, but it is essential for Pakistan’s progress and economic prosperity.