Punjab expands “She Threads” programme to train women for textile sector jobs

The Punjab government has expanded its “She Threads” initiative, a skills development programme designed to equip rural women with technical training and employment opportunities in the textile sector.

Launched under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the programme has a budget of Rs310 million and provides participants with a monthly stipend of Rs15,000 along with a transport allowance.

Women aged 18 to 45 years with at least a middle-school education are eligible to apply. The programme is currently being implemented in Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura and Faisalabad.

According to Secretary of Women's Development Department Saman Rai, the initiative aims to increase women's participation in the workforce through specialised training in various areas of the textile industry.

Training courses include industrial stitching machine operation, fabric quality inspection, fabric cutting, apparel planning and merchandising, apparel supervision, pattern making, quality control and garment finishing.

More than 2,500 women have completed training under the programme over the past two years, while 773 graduates have secured employment.

The government said 1,150 women are currently undergoing training, and another 1,350 participants will be enrolled in the next phase.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said skills development and employment opportunities for women remain a key part of the provincial government's development agenda, adding that the textile sector offers significant opportunities for trained female workers.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve women's financial inclusion and expand employment opportunities in rural areas.