City Desk
RAWALPINDI :Theatre Wallay and the Austrian Embassy in Islamabad, in collaboration with Shirakat Foundation, staged an Urdu theatre play highlighting women’s empowerment and entrepreneurial independence at UC Sahang, Tehsil Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi.
The 45-minute performance brought together 100 women entrepreneurs and beneficiaries associated with Shirakat Foundation’s Manzil, Thriving Futures and SELMA projects. It aimed to raise awareness about women micro-entrepreneurs, their economic independence and their role in building sustainable livelihoods and businesses.
Through an engaging theatrical presentation, the play explored opportunities and challenges faced by women seeking to establish livelihoods, develop businesses and achieve financial independence. It also highlighted social attitudes and practical barriers affecting women’s participation in economic activities, encouraging audience members to reflect on these issues.
Austrian Ambassador to Pakistan Wolfgang Kutschera attended the performance and appreciated the presentation. Representatives of the Austrian Embassy and members of the press were also present.
Shirakat Foundation facilitated community participation by connecting the organisers with local women entrepreneurs and beneficiaries. A women-led organisation, it began as a volunteer initiative following the 2005 earthquake and has since developed into a recognised non-profit working in community development, research, policy advocacy and women’s and youth empowerment.
Over the past five years, the foundation has supported more than 4,000 micro-entrepreneurs through training, digital marketing, exposure and mentorship programmes.
Islamabad-based Theatre Wallay, founded by Artistic Director Fizza Hasan, uses theatre to promote dialogue, cultural exchange, education and social change. The performance encouraged women to reflect on entrepreneurship and the social and practical barriers to economic independence.
