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By Almeena Ahmed
POSTED: 08 Mar 2014 20:31
Only 22 per cent of Pakistani women are recognised as working in the formal sector, although many more play an active role in the country's economy. Many women in rural areas are now taking the lead in their families, some through micro-credit loans.
GUJAR KHAN: Only 22 per cent of Pakistani women are recognised as working in the formal sector, although many more play an active role in the country's economy.
The contribution of those in the informal sector has been undervalued for years, but now, many women in rural areas are taking the lead in their families, some through micro-credit loans.
Ambreen Ashraf got a loan of around US$230 two years ago, with which she bought a cow.
Selling its milk every month has enabled her to earn money - something she had never been able to do before.
She said: "It feels good that we can run our home easily and it helps my husband. The money from the cow makes things easier- there is a good atmosphere at home. Children are happy - they go to good schools and we're happy they can now get a good education."
Access to credit can be difficult for people in rural areas, so a local initiative has helped those like Ms Ambreen borrow money to start their own businesses.
The loan is guaranteed by the community organisation, made up of other villagers who then monitor repayments themselves.
It has been hugely successful and 60 per cent of the beneficiaries are women.
Rubeena Bibi, a mother of four, was given an interest-free lump sum, which helped her become the family's breadwinner.
She said: "I sew and earn money every month - can pay the bills and buy milk and also save. My husband earns less than me, so we're able to save with my money.
“I feel happy that I can help my children and husband, who is ill."
Across most of Pakistan and in rural areas especially, men call the shots and women's work are often undervalued.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, women make up only 22 per cent of the labour force, but campaigners said this does not take into account those who work informally.
Some people however, welcome the idea of working women.
Community elder Mohammad Fazal said: "The women, besides making dinner and doing housework, used to sit around all day. But I think it's good to make them active in the community so they can also benefit. They're poor and hardworking and just want to increase their income."
Mohammad Tariq Nazir from National Rural Support Programme said: "They are earning and they are helping their husbands and they are providing support to their families. So within the family the women who are earning have their own say and they are being heard by the men now because of these activities."
While the situation is still bleak for many women when it comes to equal opportunities, some households are slowly shifting the traditional views of what a woman's role should be.
Micro-credit loans empower women in Pakistan villages - Channel NewsAsia
POSTED: 08 Mar 2014 20:31
Only 22 per cent of Pakistani women are recognised as working in the formal sector, although many more play an active role in the country's economy. Many women in rural areas are now taking the lead in their families, some through micro-credit loans.
GUJAR KHAN: Only 22 per cent of Pakistani women are recognised as working in the formal sector, although many more play an active role in the country's economy.
The contribution of those in the informal sector has been undervalued for years, but now, many women in rural areas are taking the lead in their families, some through micro-credit loans.
Ambreen Ashraf got a loan of around US$230 two years ago, with which she bought a cow.
Selling its milk every month has enabled her to earn money - something she had never been able to do before.
She said: "It feels good that we can run our home easily and it helps my husband. The money from the cow makes things easier- there is a good atmosphere at home. Children are happy - they go to good schools and we're happy they can now get a good education."
Access to credit can be difficult for people in rural areas, so a local initiative has helped those like Ms Ambreen borrow money to start their own businesses.
The loan is guaranteed by the community organisation, made up of other villagers who then monitor repayments themselves.
It has been hugely successful and 60 per cent of the beneficiaries are women.
Rubeena Bibi, a mother of four, was given an interest-free lump sum, which helped her become the family's breadwinner.
She said: "I sew and earn money every month - can pay the bills and buy milk and also save. My husband earns less than me, so we're able to save with my money.
“I feel happy that I can help my children and husband, who is ill."
Across most of Pakistan and in rural areas especially, men call the shots and women's work are often undervalued.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, women make up only 22 per cent of the labour force, but campaigners said this does not take into account those who work informally.
Some people however, welcome the idea of working women.
Community elder Mohammad Fazal said: "The women, besides making dinner and doing housework, used to sit around all day. But I think it's good to make them active in the community so they can also benefit. They're poor and hardworking and just want to increase their income."
Mohammad Tariq Nazir from National Rural Support Programme said: "They are earning and they are helping their husbands and they are providing support to their families. So within the family the women who are earning have their own say and they are being heard by the men now because of these activities."
While the situation is still bleak for many women when it comes to equal opportunities, some households are slowly shifting the traditional views of what a woman's role should be.
Micro-credit loans empower women in Pakistan villages - Channel NewsAsia
