Punjab Launches SEHAR Program to Provide Home-Based Skills Training for Women

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the Skill Enhancement Through Home Reach Program (SEHAR), a new initiative designed to provide vocational and professional skills training to women across the province without requiring them to leave their homes.

The program aims to empower women living in remote, semi-urban, and urban areas by giving them access to modern training opportunities in multiple fields, including beautification services, hospitality management, and digital technologies.

Punjab Allocates Rs. 970 Million for Women's Skill Development

The Punjab government has earmarked Rs. 970 million for the implementation of the SEHAR program. Through this initiative, a total of 5,365 women will receive professional training and support to enhance their employment and entrepreneurship prospects.

To ensure participants can effectively complete their courses, the government will also provide laptops, internet devices, data packages, and monthly stipends throughout the training period.

Officials believe these resources will help remove barriers that often prevent women from accessing quality education and skill development opportunities.

Special Preference for Widows, Differently-Abled Women, and Minorities

According to government officials, priority under the SEHAR program will be given to widows, differently-abled women, and women belonging to minority communities.

The initiative is intended to create inclusive opportunities and ensure that women from vulnerable and underserved groups can benefit from professional training and economic empowerment programs.

Hospitality Training to Cover Multiple Professional Fields

One of the major components of the SEHAR program focuses on hospitality and tourism-related skills.

Participants enrolled in hospitality courses will receive training in:

• Culinary arts

• Baking and confectionery

• Guest relations management

• Front desk operations

• Airline management

The government expects these courses to help women secure employment opportunities in Pakistan's growing hospitality and tourism sectors.

Beautification Training Being Offered in Partnership with Nail Bar

As part of the beautification segment of the program, the Punjab government has partnered with Nail Bar to provide professional beauty and wellness training.

Under this collaboration, 2,065 women across four districts will receive hands-on instruction in:

• Hair styling

• Skincare treatments

• Professional makeup techniques

• Nail art and nail care services

Officials say the training will enable participants to establish their own businesses or pursue careers in the beauty industry.

Digital Skills Training Focuses on E-Commerce and Online Earning

The SEHAR program also includes an extensive digital skills component aimed at preparing women for opportunities in the online economy.

In collaboration with the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF), 2,040 women will undergo a six-month digital training program designed to develop practical and marketable online skills.

The curriculum includes:

• Daraz marketplace management

• Shopify store operations

• Product research

• English language skills

• Financial literacy

• Digital entrepreneurship

Authorities believe these skills will enable women to participate in e-commerce, freelancing, and other digital income-generating activities.

Partnership with ITHM to Strengthen Hospitality Training

In addition to the digital skills initiative, 1,260 women are receiving hospitality training through a partnership with the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM).

The collaboration aims to equip participants with industry-relevant knowledge and practical experience that can improve their employability within the hospitality sector.

Maryam Nawaz Highlights Economic Empowerment Goals

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that the SEHAR program has been introduced to transform Punjab's female population into a productive and valuable economic force.

She emphasized that providing women with modern skills and professional training will create new opportunities for financial independence, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic growth.

According to the chief minister, empowering women through education and skill development remains a key priority of the provincial government.

Government to Facilitate Employment Opportunities

Maryam Nawaz Sharif further announced that the Punjab government will assist women in securing employment opportunities after completing their training programs.

Officials said efforts will be made to connect graduates with relevant industries, employers, and business opportunities to ensure that the skills acquired through the SEHAR program translate into meaningful economic benefits.

The initiative is being viewed as a major step toward increasing women's participation in the workforce and promoting self-reliance across Punjab.