Empowering Women Through Skills: Mithan’s Journey from Struggle to Self-Reliance

Village: Phul Ji Tarai, Taluka Mithi
Project: Improved Equine Welfare and Strengthened Livelihood and Resilience of Equine-Owning Communities
Supported by: Brooke Pakistan

Mithan, a 42-year-old resilient woman from the remote village of Phul Ji Tarai in Taluka Mithi, belongs to a farming family. Like many women in her community, she supports her husband during the monsoon season with agricultural labor. However, her daily responsibilities extend far beyond the fields. As a mother of six, she manages household chores, cares for 15 goats, and fetches water from a distant well with the help of her three donkeys.

“My donkeys are my support! Without them, fetching water — especially in the harsh summer — would be impossible,” says Mithan.

Mithan is an active member of a female community group formed under the project “Improved Equine Welfare and Strengthened Livelihood and Resilience of Equine-Owning Communities,” implemented by Sukaar Foundation with the support of Brooke Pakistan. Through this initiative, she attended awareness sessions on equine care and received veterinary support and guidance on better treatment and welfare for her donkeys.

During the group meetings, Mithan voiced her aspiration to learn a skill that could offer her an alternative source of income. She expressed a keen interest in dressmaking, saying:

“Every second year is a drought. My husband’s income is not enough to meet our household’s needs. I want to earn and support my family. Please support me.”

Recognizing her enthusiasm and need, Sukaar Foundation connected her with its Skill Development Program, offering a one-month training course in Mithi. However, due to financial constraints, she was unable to afford travel costs to attend the training regularly. This barrier was overcome through support from the project, which covered her travel expenses.

Turning Dreams Into Reality

Mithan successfully completed the one-month exclusive training where she learned cutting, designing, and sewing of various traditional garments including shalwar kameez, cholis, ghaghra, and nine different types of women’s dress designs. Upon completion, she received a comprehensive sewing kit — including a sewing machine — enabling her to start her own tailoring business in her village.

Starting modestly with sewing children’s clothes, Mithan quickly earned recognition for her neat and stylish work. On the occasion of Diwali, she earned Rs. 7,800 in just 15 days by stitching clothes for women and children in her village.

“I am very happy! This Diwali has been the best festival of my life. All my children wore new clothes — and it was because of my own earnings,” Mithan proudly shared.

Inspiring Others

Mithan didn’t stop there. She shared her journey during women’s group meetings and motivated other women to step forward, learn new skills, and build resilience against recurring droughts and seasonal migration pressures.

Her story is a powerful example of how skill development, paired with strategic support, can transform lives. Through her determination and the support of Sukaar Foundation and Brooke Pakistan, Mithan has not only improved her household’s financial stability but also become a role model for other women in her community.