Empowering Women through Vocational Training: Success Stories from Charter for Compassion’s (CFC) Nanakwara Centre

(Supported by British Asian Trust)

The Charter for Compassion (CFC) Nanakwara Centre has emerged as a beacon of hope, transformation, and empowerment for women in the local community. By providing vocational skills training, the CFC equips women with the tools they need to secure employment, start businesses, and achieve financial independence. These tailored programs not only uplift individual participants but also contribute to the economic and social development of entire families and communities. Below is an in-depth exploration of the program’s success stories, highlighting the life-changing work of the CFC.

Employment Overview: Unlocking New Pathways to Economic Empowerment

CFC’s vocational training programs have opened up diverse career paths for participants, helping them break free from financial dependence and create new opportunities. The stories of the women who have benefited from the centre’s offerings reveal the profound impact of targeted skills development.

  • Dressmaking Entrepreneurs: Three participants successfully launched home-based dressmaking businesses, catering to the growing demand for custom-made garments in their communities. These women have not only built sustainable sources of income but are also contributing to the local economy by offering personalized services. One participant began her entrepreneurial journey by taking on small alteration jobs, focusing primarily on basic garment adjustments. However, recognizing the potential for growth in the fashion industry, she strategically expanded her business to include specialized services such as bridal and formal wear. This decision not only broadened her customer base but also allowed her to significantly increase her earnings. By leveraging her savings from previous jobs, she was able to invest in high-quality materials, equipment, and marketing, which further contributed to the success and growth of her business.
  • Her success has been so substantial that she hired two part-time employees, further creating job opportunities. This aligns with research showing the significant impact of skill development programs on women’s financial empowerment and participation in traditionally male-dominated sectors (Bala, 2023).
  • Corporate Employment: Another participant is on the verge of joining a multinational company, thanks to the soft skills and computer literacy training provided by CFC. At one point, she doubted her ability to secure a position in the corporate sector. However, she is now preparing to step into a role that will significantly enhance both her earning potential and professional standing. With the support of the CFC staff, she was able to create a professional resume, which has positioned her for new opportunities and career advancement. Her journey underscores the broader impact of vocational programs, which focus not only on practical skills but also on boosting confidence and ambition, a theme supported by research in vocational training for women’s socio-economic empowerment (Ogema et al., 2021).
  • Teaching Careers: Three participants have secured positions as teachers in local schools, marking a significant achievement for both the participants and their communities. By shaping the minds of future generations, these women are making a lasting contribution to education. Empowering women to enter the education sector brings far-reaching social benefits, consistent with studies showing the importance of vocational training in fostering social transformation and economic empowerment (Phala & Mukonza, 2021).
  • Beauticians in a Growing Industry: Two participants found employment as beauticians in local salons, where they are honing their craft and building professional networks. Although their initial earnings are modest (PKR 2,500 and PKR 4,000 per month), these roles offer valuable hands-on experience, positioning them to eventually own their own salons or move to higher-end establishments.[BA1]  Industry reports show a rising demand for skilled beauticians in urban centers, making this a promising field for continued growth (Nazir et al.,2012).

Salon Employment: Building a Foundation for Career Evolution

CFC’s efforts to secure employment for participants in local salons have given women invaluable real-world experience. Although the starting salaries are modest, these entry-level positions offer the chance to learn advanced beauty techniques and customer service skills. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), skilled beauticians often command much higher wages as their expertise grows, particularly in urban areas where premium services are in demand. By placing participants in smaller salons, CFC ensures they build strong foundational skills that will serve them well as they progress in their careers (Buvinić & O’Donnell, 2017).

Course Accessibility: Free and Targeted Training to Meet Community Needs

All participants unanimously agree on the value of the training provided. To provide a comparison, similar high-quality vocational training programs in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, are generally quite expensive, depending on the course and duration. Given that the average household income of participants at the CFC Nanakwara Centre is relatively modest, it would be nearly impossible for them to afford such training programs at full cost. The Centre's ability to offer these programs free of charge has been a life-changing opportunity, enabling women from low-income households to gain valuable skills and education that would otherwise remain inaccessible. Many participants had previously attempted to enroll in similar courses at other institutions but were forced to drop out due to prohibitive costs. CFC has removed this financial barrier, making it possible for women to pursue meaningful careers without the burden of debt.
Despite high demand and long waiting lists, CFC’s programs have proven to be both accessible and effective. Most participants learned about the courses through word-of-mouth, reflecting the strong sense of community surrounding the Centre. One participant even discovered the program through a poster, a testament to CFC’s expanding outreach efforts. However, there remains room for growth in outreach, particularly through digital and social media platforms.

Earnings and Household Contributions: Empowering Women to Support Their Families

One of the most rewarding aspects of CFC’s training programs is the direct impact on participants’ household economic stability. Women who were once financially dependent on others are now contributing to their families’ incomes, in many cases turning subsistence into stability. A successful dressmaker shared that her income now covers her son’s school fees, ensuring his continued education. This kind of success story highlights the ripple effect of empowering women through vocational training. The benefits extend beyond the participants themselves, uplifting entire families. Research supports that when women gain financial independence through vocational education, the overall socio-economic condition of their families improves (Dey & Devi, 2019). Participants employed in beauty salons and teaching roles have also spoken about how their earnings are helping to cover household expenses, from groceries to utility bills, reducing the financial burden on their families.

Bibliography

Bala, M. R. G. (2023). Impact of skill development programmes for financial empowerment of women. International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research. 

Ogema, E. A., Bundi, Z. M., Mkutu, A., & Omollo, D. (2021). The role of vocational training centers in socioeconomic empowerment of women in Nakuru Town, Kenya. International Journal of Research In Business and Social Science, 10(3), 380-390. 

Phala, M., & Mukonza, R. (2021). The effectiveness of vocational training and access to finance in alleviating poverty among women in rural South Africa. African Journal of Gender, Society and Development. 

Nazir, T., Vaida, N., & Dar, M. A. (2012). The impact of vocational training courses on knowledge and adoption of rural women in Kashmir. 

Buvinić, M., & O’Donnell, M. (2017). Gender matters in economic empowerment interventions: A research review. Development Economics: Women. 

Dey, S., & Devi, P. (2019). Impact of TVET on labour market outcomes and women’s empowerment in rural areas: A case study from Cachar district, Assam. Indian Journal of Human Development, 13, 357-371.