KARACHI: Sakan-e-Sheza Trust, in collaboration with the South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF), has officially launched Project FAME at Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi, marking a significant step towards women’s empowerment, inclusion and economic independence. The year-long initiative aims to benefit 100 women, with particular emphasis on women with disabilities, by recognizing their abilities, providing professional and vocational skills, facilitating access to employment opportunities, and enabling them to become economically self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s economy. Speaking at the launch, Sakan-e-Sheza Trust Founder and driving force Erum Saaim said the project would provide structured training programmes, practical workshops and specialized skill-development sessions designed to transform potential into sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Erum Saaim emphasized that the meaningful inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in economic activities is essential for building a stronger, more inclusive and self-reliant society. Under Project FAME, participants will be equipped with market-oriented skills and opportunities that can help them secure dignified employment and strengthen their economic independence. She stressed that empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also an important investment in national development, as enabling women to actively participate in the workforce creates broader economic and social benefits. The initiative received strong appreciation from participants and stakeholders, who described it as an important platform for promoting equal economic opportunities and advancing the rights, abilities and potential of women with disabilities.
The launch ceremony was attended by prominent government officials, political representatives, social workers, women leaders, business figures, civil society representatives and members of various organizations. Mr. Aijaz Anwar, Provincial Election Commissioner, attended as Chief Guest, while Mr. Farman Ali Tanwari, Regional Director, DEPD, presided over the ceremony. Honorary shields were presented to Mr. Aijaz Anwar, Mr. Farman Ali Tanwari, Mr. Tuaha Ahmed Farooqi, Secretary DEPD, Mr. Fahad Shafiq, Coordinator Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, and Mr. Jawaid Rais, President DWA and recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, in recognition of their leadership, support and commitment to inclusion and empowerment. Souvenirs were also presented to Mr. Tahir Mansoor Khan, Mr. Syed Abdullah Shah, Mr. Hallar Manzoor Wassan, Dr. Shariq Jamal, Mr. Naseer Ahmed, Mr. Abdul Waseem, Mr. Kashif Sabrani, Mr. Yousuf Qureshi, Mr. Maqsood Faraz, and Mr. Intikhab Mirza. Their participation underscored a collective commitment to creating equal opportunities, promoting inclusion and ensuring that women and persons with disabilities can play a meaningful role in Pakistan’s social and economic progress.
