Effect of Vocational Training on Women Empowerment: A Pilot Study in Kheshgi Payan, District Nowshera, Pakistan

Abstract

Women’s empowerment is a critical element of social and economic development in Pakistan, where women constitute nearly half of the total population but remain underrepresented in the labor force. Rural women in particular face structural barriers, including illiteracy, poverty, limited mobility, and lack of access to productive resources. This study investigates the effect of vocational training on women’s empowerment through a pilot project titled “Zama Hunar Zama Gata”, conducted in Kheshgi Payan, District Nowshera (KPK). The program provided training in tailoring and embroidery to 150 disadvantaged women, enabling them to acquire marketable skills. Using a quasi-experimental, pre–post design, data were collected through structured questionnaires measuring four empowerment dimensions: personality development, income-earning opportunities, contribution to society, and quality of life. Findings show that women reported enhanced self-confidence, increased income opportunities, greater participation in household and community decision-making, and improvement in living standards. The study highlights vocational training as a practical, low-cost intervention for rural women’s empowerment. It offers evidence-based insights for policymakers, NGOs, and development practitioners to scale similar initiatives in Pakistan.