A delegation from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Women Development Department (GoS) visited Sindh Rural Support organization and Union Council Bhirkan in Shikarpur district, on Thursday 20 July 2017.
SRSO management briefed the delegation about the establishment of the SRSO, its programs and developmental activities and initiatives taken by SRSO for the empowerment of rural women.
JICA is formulating a project for Pakistan Female Home Based Workers (FHBWs), and this visit was to learn about the work of the SRSO.
The JICA delegation visited the LSO Mehran in Union Council Bhirkan of district Shikarpur and met with members of Business Development Groups (BDGs) Moorani, Birkhan and Khai, where President of LSO Mehran briefed the delegation and explained the nature of activities and initiatives carried out by the LSO. BDGs members presented their Crafts and shared activities and other related information about the hand made products they have made and showcased in exhibitions.
The JICA delegation showed keen interest in knowing the nature of work and the products of home-based workers of rural Sindh with a view to work with them. Discussion also revolved around marketability and mobility of Female Home-Based Workers and also for facilitating their linkages with potential buyers came under discussion.
The JICA delegation also visited the “Sartyoon Sang Crafts Enterprise” (sales outlet) situated in the SRSO Complex premises. The Sartyoon Sang is a social enterprise of SRSO (established in 2011) and works towards the core objective of connecting rural artisans especially women to market.