Women in Pakistan

Through the lens of Market Development Facility

Across Pakistan, women are responsible for providing for their families, often with the most meagre of resources and in subordinated social positions. When MDF, in partnership with local businesses, brought opportunities to poor households to improve their standards of living, women were at the forefront of change. Embracing each opportunity with passion, many women became entrepreneurs, farmers, factory workers and community leaders, breaking stereotypes as they went.

MDF Pakistan was privileged to witness the exhilaration of women who, given simple technology and good information, were able to improve milk production from their dairy animals. Women who now speak with confidence about how seed quality affects sales and prices. Women working in leather factories because their needs were considered in the design of new production lines. It was evident that by making critical interventions at the right time in the right sectors, MDF could transform lives. This book speaks to the work of MDF to empower women in the dairy, meat, leather and horticulture sectors in rural and peri-urban areas. But most importantly, this collection of intimate and vibrant photographs of women at work honours women by telling their stories – of struggle, courage, resilience and willingness to learn, to try and to attain what once seemed impossible. These inspiring women are champions of change – champions of Pakistan! Happy reading!