Chairperson of the Carpet Training Institute (CTI), Ijaz-ur-Rehman, has stressed the need for launching a comprehensive training initiative titled “SHE WEAVES” under the special direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The program aims to modernize the handmade carpets industry, empower rural women, and boost exports.
Program Objectives and Vision
Speaking during a meeting with stakeholders from the carpet manufacturing and export industry, Ijaz-ur-Rehman stated that the program would provide skills to thousands of rural women, enabling them to secure dignified employment and achieve financial independence. He emphasized that this initiative would also strengthen Pakistan’s traditional handmade carpet sector.
Model Based on Successful SHE THREADS Program
Ijaz-ur-Rehman proposed that the initiative could be designed on the model of the Punjab Women Development Department’s successful program “SHE THREADS.” This would involve providing rural women with modern, standardized technical training across all stages of carpet production, from spinning and dyeing to weaving and finishing.
Women’s Role in Carpet Industry Growth
He highlighted that women play a central role in the growth and export potential of Pakistan’s handmade carpet industry, particularly in Punjab. According to him, the “SHE WEAVES” initiative aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision of economically empowering women and enhancing their technical skills. The program would help create a skilled female workforce that would not only improve household incomes but also contribute significantly to strengthening the national economy and increasing export earnings.
Expected Impact on Exports and Economy
Pakistan’s handmade carpet industry has long been a key export sector, with significant potential for growth if modernized. By training rural women in advanced techniques, the initiative aims to boost the quality and global competitiveness of Pakistani carpets, thereby increasing foreign exchange earnings. The Punjab government is committed to promoting arts and crafts, as reaffirmed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s support for such initiatives.
