Women’s footwear production line launched
The MDF currently has partnerships with 27 businesses in Pakistan and is aiming to expand them to 42 by 2017
The MDF currently has partnerships with 27 businesses in Pakistan and is aiming to expand them to 42 by 2017. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE:
Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson on Thursday inaugurated a dedicated footwear production line for women at Footlib, a local manufacturer in Lahore.
According to a press release issued by the high commission, the initiative funded by the Australian government through its Market Development Facility (MDF) was aimed at increasing women’s participation in workforce and supporting an internationally competitive footwear sector in Pakistan.
Inaugurating the stitching line, Adamson said, “I congratulate Pakistan footwear manufacturers in pioneering improved productivity in the industry by empowering women, and encourage other industries to follow this example. Currently, only 25 per cent of [Pakistani] women are employed.”
Waseem Zakaria, Footlib CEO and Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) chairman, thanked the Australian government for its support.
He said, “We believe employing women is good for business. A dedicated production line helps women learn from their peers, and offers them a comfortable environment. This initiative is bringing value to our business and contributes towards making Pakistan a more internationally competitive footwear-making destination.”
The MDF is Australian government’s AU$9.8 million (Rs79.7 million) flagship private sector investment programme in Pakistan. Australia has partnered with 28 Pakistani businesses in the leather, horticulture and dairy sectors since 2014. The MDF currently has partnerships with 27 businesses in Pakistan and is aiming to expand them to 42 by the middle of 2017.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2016.
Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson on Thursday inaugurated a dedicated footwear production line for women at Footlib, a local manufacturer in Lahore.
According to a press release issued by the high commission, the initiative funded by the Australian government through its Market Development Facility (MDF) was aimed at increasing women’s participation in workforce and supporting an internationally competitive footwear sector in Pakistan.
Inaugurating the stitching line, Adamson said, “I congratulate Pakistan footwear manufacturers in pioneering improved productivity in the industry by empowering women, and encourage other industries to follow this example. Currently, only 25 per cent of [Pakistani] women are employed.”
Waseem Zakaria, Footlib CEO and Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) chairman, thanked the Australian government for its support.
He said, “We believe employing women is good for business. A dedicated production line helps women learn from their peers, and offers them a comfortable environment. This initiative is bringing value to our business and contributes towards making Pakistan a more internationally competitive footwear-making destination.”
The MDF is Australian government’s AU$9.8 million (Rs79.7 million) flagship private sector investment programme in Pakistan. Australia has partnered with 28 Pakistani businesses in the leather, horticulture and dairy sectors since 2014. The MDF currently has partnerships with 27 businesses in Pakistan and is aiming to expand them to 42 by the middle of 2017.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2016.