Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams
In Multan, where many women still face barriers to work, Aneesa’s life changed with one opportunity. From financial struggles to a stable job, she overcame the odds and is now helping others do the same.
District Multan, famously known as the City of Saints, is not only a cultural treasure of Pakistan but also a thriving commercial hub. With over 5.4 million residents, it houses flourishing industries such as textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and leather goods. Despite this economic potential, many women in Multan face persistent cultural and financial barriers that limit their access to employment and self-reliance. These barriers rooted in traditions and social norms prevent countless women from contributing to the workforce and improving their livelihoods, especially in low-income households.
Aneesa Shabbir is a young Arts graduate from Multan. She is one of many women affected by these constraints. After marriage, Aneesa found herself in a financial crisis. Her husband was unemployed, and they had a newborn daughter to care for. As one of eight siblings, she also felt responsible for helping her extended family. Despite the cultural expectations discouraging women from working, she was determined to support her family.
“I knew I had to do something, not just for my daughter, but for the future of my whole family,” says Aneesa.
Aneesa’s life took a hopeful turn when a neighbour introduced her to the community engagement and outreach activities of the Promoting Employment by Strengthening the Role of Women (WE) initiative. Through community engagement, the WE team conducts sessions with women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), other vulnerable groups, their family members, community influencers, and stakeholders to promote employment and enhance employability in Pakistan’s textile and fashion industry. This project is part of the German Development Cooperation’s efforts to empower women and promote inclusive economic growth in Pakistan. Aneesa attended one of the awareness sessions organised by community engagement and outreach team and learned about job opportunities in the textile and fashion industries. To support her ambitions, the WE team spoke to Aneesa’s family.
“After the family meeting, my parents and in-laws understood this was a safe and meaningful opportunity,” recalls Aneesa.
Following the awareness session and counselling, WE helped Aneesa to reach out to local textile employers. She soon received an interview call from Asiatex Corporation and was selected as a machine operator trainee. After completing her training, she was hired as a full-time employee with benefits, a stable income, and the confidence to envision a better future.
Aneesa is now financially independent and contributes significantly to her household. Her success is more than just personal, it’s a ripple effect that’s impacting her family and community.
“Now I can support my daughter’s education and even help my siblings. It feels empowering,” she shares proudly.
She has also referred several other women to the WE Project, acting as a role model in her community. Her story showcases how targeted support, skills training, and community engagement can help overcome deep-rooted gender norms.
The WE Project is a strong example of how German Development Cooperation is contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. By promoting inclusive employment through skill development and social acceptance, the project is not only changing lives but also addressing systemic challenges.
The success of women like Aneesa proves that when opportunities are paired with culturally sensitive engagement and practical support, real transformation is possible.
This project didn’t just give me a job, it gave me a voice,” says Aneesa, now a local advocate for women's empowerment.