Punjab government will train 27,000 rural women in information technology and digital skills.
According to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, "Rural women will get scholarship during online training, while desktop computers and free Wi-Fi devices will be provided on completion of their training."
She added, "Punjab Skills Development Department will provide six-month online training to rural women. The applications can be submitted on a website. IT, web development, coding, digital marketing, e-commerce, social media management, graphic design and multimedia, freelancing, remote work, data entry, office automation and cyber security skills will be taught. The department will also provide a certificate and job links on completion of the training.
The chief minister stated, "After completing online digital and IT training, rural women can also start freelancing, a tech firm or online business from home."
She said online training of rural women would eliminate barriers of distance and they would be able to get dignified jobs without leaving home.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said ,"Women will be economically empowered through IT and digital technology, 27,000 women will be able to become the founders of a digital revolution in Punjab."
She added, "Digital training of rural women will achieve goals like education, gender equality, decent employment and reduction in economic inequality. They will be able to compete in the international IT market while remaining in villages. Technological education will not just be a skill but a means to write their own bright future."
Skilled inmates
The Punjab government has also initiated a programme to pay wages to skilled inmates working in jail industries.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, the initiative is part of jail reforms aimed at rehabilitating prisoners and reintegrating them into the society as productive citizens.
The spokesperson said inmates in several jails across the province are now earning wages for their skilled work, enabling them to financially support their families.
Inmates in the Shahpur District Jail were recently compensated for crafting high-quality 'Nawrozi' shoes ahead of Eid.
The shoes, made by the inmates under supervision are being sold in the markets, with the proceeds directly deposited into their personal accounts, the spokesperson highlighted. Jail Superintendent Abubakar Abdullah praised the inmates for their craftsmanship, stating that the Nawrozi shoes are unique in their beauty, quality and durability.
"This initiative is not just about providing wages; it's about empowering inmates with skills that will help them build a brighter future. Skilled inmates will continue to contribute positively to the society after their release," he added.
The home department has collaborated with the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry to assist in the initiative.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ