Women empowerment: Nayyab’s story
An estimated 8.6 million youth are out of work in Pakistan. With a rapidly growing population, young people are facing multiple challenges.
Nayyab is a 22-year-old from Basti Mehboob Wala, an urban low-income community. Despite her family's challenging financial circumstances, Nayyab was pursuing an FSc degree (Higher Secondary School Certificate). Her father, the sole breadwinner of the family of six, earns a meagre monthly income of PKR 10,000 to 15,000 (approx. £28 - £42) through daily wage work.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated their situation, as her father faced difficulties finding work. Living in an area with limited resources added to the challenges of meeting basic needs. Financial constraints eventually forced Nayyab to drop out of school due to lack of funds. The family lacked the means to generate additional income and was struggling to make ends meet.
A turning point came when Nayyab joined a programme by our partner Shirakat and supported by the British Asian Trust providing comprehensive training on using solar dryers. This initiative involved women getting local agricultural produce and drying them using solar dryers to sell for profit.
After completing the training, Nayyab, along with other women in her locality, began using the solar dryer to dry vegetables. Our partner also facilitated the sale of these dried products. The initiative not only promoted agricultural enterprises but also opened new opportunities for individuals like Nayyab. Her group successfully produced and sold dried vegetables and fruits, also sometimes catering to local herbal doctors by providing dried herbs.
Nayyab's involvement in the solar drying enterprise marked a significant transformation in her life. Her small business began earning her a monthly profit. This self-owned enterprise was empowering, enabling her to become self-sufficient.
Following the success of her microenterprise, Nayyab took on a leadership role, guiding a group of 30 participants across six groups in her area. Her monthly income from selling dried vegetables now ranges from PKR 15,000 to 25,000 (approx. £42 - £70). She has also received orders from local markets. With her newfound financial stability, Nayyab is now able to continue her education.
Nayyab's journey from a financially struggling student to a successful entrepreneur highlights the importance of providing opportunities and resources to marginalised individuals, enabling them to build better futures for themselves, their families and communities.
