Minority women’s empowerment plan launched

LAHORE:The Youth Development Foundation (YDF), in collaboration with Hungary Helps and Punjab government, launched ‘Minority Women Business Incubation Programme’ here on Tuesday.

Tristan Azbej, Secretary of State, Government of Hungary, Minority Minister Ramesh Singh Arora and Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Speaker Punjab Assembly attended the function.

This initiative will empowered over 300 minority women, supported the creation of 300 small enterprises, and contributed over Rs500 million to Punjab’s economy in just five years.

It is designed to empower minority women through entrepreneurship, providing them with vital resources, mentorship, and opportunities to build sustainable businesses.

Shahid Rehmat, Executive Director of YDF, presented a compelling overview of the programme, underscoring its vision to create inclusive economic pathways for marginalised women and promote social cohesion through entrepreneurship.

Rt Rev Bishop Nadeem Kamran, Bishop of Lahore (Church of Pakistan), praised the initiative’s focus on empowering marginalised women and emphasised the importance of interfaith harmony and economic independence in peacebuilding.

Shahid Rehmat, Executive Director of YDF, shared, “Our goal is not just to create businesses but to build confidence and independence among minority women.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting minority communities, particularly women, by enhancing their access to skills and economic opportunities.

Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu, senior minority rights advocate, hailed the initiative as a “critical step in breaking socio-economic barriers,” and stressed the need for sustainable, scalable solutions.

Tristan Azbej reiterated Hungary’s commitment to human rights and minority inclusion, stating, “Empowering women is essential for building peaceful and prosperous societies.”

Miss Sonia Ashir, Minority MPA & Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, praised the initiative, saying, “This programme reflects the government’s vision for equal opportunity and rights-based progress for every woman, regardless of background.”

Ms Hina Pervaiz, Chairperson, Punjab Women Protection Authority, commended YDF’s efforts, stating, “Women’s protection and empowerment must go hand in hand. Initiatives like this pave the way for safe, economically independent futures.”