Australian government funds women-only footwear production unit

05/09/2016
The Australian government has funded a footwear production facility in the Pakistani city of Lahore that will have a workforce made up entirely of women.

Through its Market Development Facility (MDF), Australia has helped establish the unit to increase women’s participation in Pakistan’s workforce and to support the country’s footwear sector.

Speaking at the facility’s inauguration, Margaret Adamson, Australian High Commissioner to Australia, congratulated Pakistan’s footwear manufacturers for “pioneering improved productivity in the industry by empowering women”. She encouraged other industries to do the same as only a quarter of Pakistani women are currently employed.

Waseem Zakaria, chairman of the Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) thanked the Australian government for its support.

“We believe employing women is good for business,” he said. “A dedicated production line helps women learn from their peers, and offers them a comfortable environment.”