From February 18 to 28, 2025, the Empowering Women and Girls (EWG) initiative by Commonwealth of learning (COL), in collaboration with SPARC and Bedari, hosted a 10-day study visit for delegates from Malawi, Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The visit provided a comprehensive look at COL-EW&G project Pakistan’s efforts in women’s empowerment through education, vocational training, financial inclusion, and community engagement.
The 12-member delegation was divided into two groups, with six members traveling to Multan and six to Bhakkar, where they engaged in immersive field visits. In both regions, the delegates visited vocational skill centers, where women and girls receive training in tailoring, embroidery, handicrafts, and digital literacy, equipping them with marketable skills for financial independence. Many of the women trained at these centers have successfully launched small businesses, contributing to household incomes and community economic growth. The visitors also toured non-formal education centers, which provide basic literacy, numeracy, and life skills to out-of-school girls and young women, helping them regain educational opportunities and break the cycle of poverty.
In addition, the delegation explored agricultural training programs, which teach rural women modern farming techniques, and access to agricultural markets, significantly improving food security and economic resilience. They attended community stakeholder meetings, engaging with local leaders, women entrepreneurs, and social activists to discuss challenges and solutions for gender empowerment. A crucial part of the visit was interaction with Men and Boys Clubs and Societies, initiatives designed to promote gender-inclusive mindsets and break down patriarchal norms. Through awareness sessions and dialogue, these clubs encourage men and boys to become allies in women’s empowerment, fostering a more inclusive and supportive society.
The visit concluded with the Seminar on Empowering Women & Girls on February 26-27, 2025, where experts, policymakers, and social entrepreneurs emphasized the importance of education, financial empowerment, and leadership in achieving gender equality.
The study visit provided an invaluable platform for cross-country learning and knowledge exchange, allowing delegates to share experiences and best practices while gaining insights from Pakistan’s initiatives. The visit reinforced the collective commitment to challenging gender barriers, fostering self-sufficiency, and ensuring sustainable progress for women and girls worldwide.
