Ms Ume-Laila Azhar, chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women, inaugurated the stall section at the 18th Annual Rural Women Leadership Training event organised by the Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA) on International Rural Women Day.
Women entrepreneurs from across Pakistan used the stalls to showcase artistry, local crafts and herbal products, offering a vivid picture of how Rural Women Leadership is translating into economic opportunity at household and community level. The displays reflected women’s growing role in strengthening families and contributing to the national economy.
In her address, the chairperson praised PODA for amplifying rural women’s voices and reiterated NCSW Islamabad’s commitment to advancing education, health, justice and economic inclusion for every woman and girl. She underlined that “the life of every woman and girl is precious and vital to building an enlightened and prosperous Pakistan”, a message that organisers said resonates throughout the training programme.
Organisers said the gathering brings together more than 100 rural women leaders from across the country to exchange experiences, sharpen leadership skills and inspire collective action. Through partnerships with organisations like PODA, UN agencies and civil society, NCSW is working to ensure Rural Women Leadership is matched by equal access to learning, leadership roles and livelihood opportunities.
The event highlighted practical pathways to economic empowerment and communal resilience, with participants noting how market access, skills training and supportive policies can turn local crafts and herbal enterprises into sustainable businesses that benefit whole communities.
