july/2025

Women’s Economic Empowerment in Balochistan: Training in Agriculture, Crafts, Education, and Technology.

1. Introduction: The Need for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Balochistan

Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan by area, is rich in natural resources, culture, and history. Yet, it remains one of the least developed regions of the country. Poverty, illiteracy, limited economic opportunities, and social restrictions continue to hinder the progress of its people — especially women. In this challenging environment, the economic empowerment of women through skill development and training has emerged as a crucial tool for poverty reduction, community development, and sustainable growth.
Despite their significant contributions to agriculture, handicrafts, and household management, women in Balochistan face considerable barriers to economic participation. Cultural norms, lack of education, limited mobility, and scarce training opportunities restrict their ability to become financially independent. However, targeted training programs in sectors such as agriculture, crafts, tailoring, education, science, and modern technology, including coding and digital literacy, can transform their lives and contribute to the province’s development.
This article explores the importance of women's training for economic empowerment in Balochistan, highlighting the key areas, challenges, success stories, and the way forward.

2. The Role of Women in Balochistan’s Economy

Women in Balochistan, particularly in rural areas, play a critical role in agriculture, livestock management, handicrafts, and household activities. Many women work informally, often unpaid, contributing to food production, artisanal crafts, and small-scale businesses. Despite their efforts, they remain economically marginalized due to social and structural barriers.
With over 70% of Balochistan's population living in rural areas, agriculture and livestock form the backbone of the local economy. Women participate actively in farming, harvesting, and animal

care, yet their access to training, resources, and markets is minimal. Similarly, the province is known for its rich tradition of embroidery, handicrafts, and textile work, largely produced by women but often exploited by middlemen.
Education and modern technology have the potential to open new economic pathways for women, but gender disparities in access to these opportunities remain significant. Bridging these gaps through targeted training is essential for women’s empowerment and the overall progress of Balochistan.

3. Barriers to Women’s Economic Participation

3.1 Limited Access to Education and Vocational Training

A significant portion of women in Balochistan, especially in rural areas, have little or no formal education. The lack of schools, cultural restrictions, and security concerns discourage families from educating girls. As a result, women lack the literacy, numeracy, and technical skills required to engage in the modern economy.

3.2 Sociocultural Norms and Gender Restrictions

Patriarchal traditions often limit women's mobility and decision-making power. Many women are restricted from working outside the home or participating in community activities. This isolation prevents them from accessing training programs, markets, and employment opportunities.

3.3 Economic Disparities and Financial Exclusion

Women in Balochistan have limited access to financial resources, credit, and entrepreneurship support. Without capital or knowledge of financial management, they struggle to start or expand businesses.

3.4 Lack of Market Access

Even when women produce handicrafts or agricultural goods, they face challenges in accessing profitable markets. Middlemen often exploit them, offering low prices for their products. Limited knowledge of e-commerce, market trends, and digital platforms exacerbates this issue.

4. The Importance of Training for Women’s Economic Empowerment

Targeted training equips women with the skills and knowledge to overcome these barriers, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to the economy. Training programs can:
● Enhance women's employability through technical and soft skills development
● Improve productivity in agriculture, crafts, and tailoring
● Foster entrepreneurship and financial independence
● Bridge the digital divide through technology and coding training
● Promote gender equality and increase women's confidence and leadership skills

5. Key Areas for Women’s Economic Training in Balochistan

5.1 Agriculture and Livestock Training

Given the province’s dependence on agriculture, empowering women with modern farming and livestock management techniques is essential.
Training Areas Include:
● Sustainable farming methods
● Water conservation and drip irrigation
● Soil health management and organic farming
● Livestock nutrition and veterinary care
● Dairy product processing (milk, yogurt, cheese, ghee)
Such training enhances productivity, improves food security, and increases household income.

5.2 Handicrafts and Tailoring

Balochistan's traditional embroidery, rugs, jewelry, and textiles are famous across Pakistan and beyond. Supporting women in these areas can boost incomes and preserve cultural heritage. Training Areas Include:
● Skill development in embroidery, weaving, and jewelry making
● Tailoring and garment production
● Design innovation and product development
● Quality control and finishing techniques
● Market access and pricing strategies

5.3 Education and Literacy Programs

Education is the foundation of empowerment. Literacy and numeracy skills open doors to economic participation and decision-making. Training Areas Include:
● Basic literacy and numeracy
● Financial literacy
● Awareness of legal rights
● Confidence-building and communication skills

5.4 Science and Modern Technology

Science and technology offer new opportunities for women to engage in innovative economic activities, even from home.
Training Areas Include:
● Digital literacy and computer skills
● Introduction to coding and software development
● E-commerce and online marketing
● Use of mobile apps for agriculture, health, and business
● STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) awareness
Empowering women with tech skills enables them to access global markets and remote job opportunities.

6. Success Stories: How Training Transforms Lives

6.1 Women Farmers and Livestock Managers

In areas like Turbat and Pishin, NGOs have introduced training in modern farming and dairy management. Women learned to improve crop yields, care for livestock, and process dairy products, leading to increased incomes and food security.

6.2 Handicrafts and Tailoring Entrepreneurs

Through training programs supported by local organizations and development agencies, women in Quetta, Zhob, and Khuzdar have enhanced their embroidery, tailoring, and craft-making skills. With improved product quality and market connections, many have started small businesses, selling their products locally and online.

6.3 Tech-Savvy Women Breaking Barriers

Pilot programs in Quetta have introduced women to basic coding, computer literacy, and online business skills. Some women have launched home-based digital services, such as graphic design, social media management, and freelance work, challenging traditional gender roles and generating income from within their homes.

6.4 Education as a Pathway to Empowerment

Adult literacy programs in rural areas have empowered women with reading, writing, and numeracy skills. Women who were once dependent now manage finances, engage in community activities, and support their children's education.

7. The Broader Impact of Women’s Economic Empowerment

Investing in women’s training has ripple effects that extend beyond individual growth: ● Poverty Reduction: As women earn and contribute to household income, poverty levels decline.
● Improved Family Well-being: Financially empowered women invest in health, education, and nutrition for their families.
● Community Development: Women's participation strengthens social cohesion, cooperation, and development at the community level.
● Economic Growth: When women are economically active, the province’s economy benefits from increased productivity and innovation.
● Gender Equality: Economic empowerment challenges stereotypes and promotes women's rights and decision-making power.

8. Challenges in Expanding Training Opportunities<

Despite the benefits, several challenges hinder the widespread implementation of women’s training programs in Balochistan:
● Cultural resistance to women's mobility and employment
● Security concerns in remote areas
● Lack of infrastructure and resources for training centers
● Limited awareness among women about available opportunities
● Financial constraints for program expansion

Overcoming these obstacles requires coordinated efforts from government, NGOs, community leaders, and the private sector.

9. Call to Action: Strengthening Support for Women’s Training

To unlock the full potential of women in Balochistan, stakeholders must take concrete steps:

9.1 Government Initiatives

● Increase investment in women’s education and vocational training
● Provide subsidies and incentives for women entrepreneurs
● Support women-led cooperatives in agriculture, crafts, and technology
● Improve security and infrastructure to facilitate training access

9.2 NGO and Private Sector Partnerships

● Expand skill development programs in rural and urban areas
● Promote market linkages and e-commerce platforms for women
● Introduce technology-focused training, including coding bootcamps
● Support mentorship and networking opportunities

9.3 Community and Family Engagement

● Raise awareness about the economic benefits of women’s empowerment
● Encourage families to support girls’ education and skill development
● Challenge harmful cultural norms through community dialogues

10. A Vision for a Prosperous and Inclusive Balochistan

The economic empowerment of women through targeted training in agriculture, crafts, education, science, and technology is not only a matter of gender equality — it is essential for the sustainable development of Balochistan. When women are equipped with skills, knowledge, and confidence, they contribute to poverty reduction, improved family well-being, and stronger communities.

Despite cultural, social, and infrastructural challenges, success stories from across the province demonstrate that change is possible. With collective efforts from the government, civil society, families, and the private sector, Balochistan can create an environment where women thrive economically, and their potential drives the province toward a more prosperous, inclusive future. Investing in women’s training is investing in the future of Balochistan.

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