HYDERABAD: The Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) has inaugurated a Business Development Centre in Makli, Thatta.

During the inauguration ceremony, Javed Hussain, the head of SCF, emphasized that this center is a vital component of the Surmi project, implemented with support from Pathfinder International. The Business Development Center aims to connect trained rural women to markets, boutiques, and online platforms. In collaboration with this center, the initiative will enhance product marketing and business development, ensuring that rural women have the necessary resources and opportunities for success.

Javed Hussain highlighted the importance of the Skills Development Centers (SDCs), stating, “This project is a transformative step for women in rural Thatta, equipping them with the tools for economic independence and long-term growth to combat with climate shocks. The SDCs provide safe and equitable spaces for skills development and empower women to engage in sustainable income-generating activities.”

Hira Arain, the Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Manager at SCF, and Ms. Humera Ali, the Project Manager, outlined the program’s broader vision and said that SCF has established six Skills Development Centers across five villages and urban slums in Makli. These centers aim to offer six-month vocational and informal literacy training to 200 women and girls in these communities, focusing on enhancing livelihoods through functional and digital literacy.

Additionally, the initiative plans to provide seed funding to 50 women to help them start small businesses, supporting their food security and income generation needs. Participants will also receive training in livestock management, poultry breeding, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Overall, the program aims to equip these women with the skills and resources necessary for sustainable income generation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024