Light for the Nation provides skills training in Lahore and Kasur districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The project works with women in extreme poverty, often in debt as bonded labourers in brick kilns or daily wage workers. In Pakistan, most of these jobs are considered “unclean”, and are officially reserved for Christians.
As a result, training groups are mostly (though not exclusively) attended by Christians. Training is provided in three key areas: beautician skills, sewing, and literacy. Each course lasts six months to a year, after which the trainees can read and write, manage their finances and hopefully gain alternative or supplementary employment.
Light for the Nation also provides advocacy and awareness training, helping women to be aware of their rights as women and as Christians, a religious minority in Pakistan.
Alongside providing marketable and practical skills, these courses aim to enhance self-worth, and reduce inequality, empowering women for social advancement and reducing abuse.
