AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, participated in an event to highlight the work of female micro entrepreneurs in the areas of dairy and embellished fabrics in Karachi and rural Sindh.
The purpose of this event is to further promote economic development of women micro-entrepreneurs from Karachi and rural Sindh and to showcase the importance the US Government places on women’s economic empowerment.
USAID has trained more than 70,000 women rural entrepreneurs in embellished fabric, dairy, honey, and medicinal and aromatic plants and is helping to link them to profitable markets nationwide. The project helps these micro-entrepreneurs develop better products, learn new skills, and get connected to better markets through development of lead women entrepreneurs who serve as channel to the markets and service providers.
“South Asian women, and especially Pakistani women from rural areas, are part of a rich local tradition of making beautifully embroidered handicrafts. These products could become a source of income for women artisans and their families,”- said Dr. Rajiv Shah.
The Entrepreneurs Project is implemented by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). It was started in June 2009 and will run through June 2014. The Entrepreneurs project also provided in-kind grants to 41,500 families in response to urgent needs in 2010 and 2011 to provide assistance to conflict-affected internal displaced persons in Malakand and flood-affected families across the country.
For more information, contact:
Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +9251-208 0000
Fax: +9251-227 8607
E-mail: webmasterisb@state.gov