Misbah Faiz is currently pursuing her PhD in Human Resources and Entrepreneurship from the National University of Sciences & Technology. Her career accomplishments have included training 2,100 students on freelancing platforms so that they could learn to earn from home and starting a platform that to date has connected more than 700 females with employers. . She worked as a project manager at UET on a project to develop a device that stops electricity theft. She was actively involved with GIZ to establish a strong connection between the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector and related industries.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Job Creation for Underprivileged Females in Pakistan

This project tackles the socio-economic challenges faced by women in remote areas of Pakistan by providing them with sustainable employment opportunities. It recognizes the importance of economic empowerment in enhancing the quality of life for underprivileged women and aims to create a positive impact within their communities.

Misbah organized two trainings for 77 women living in rural areas of Pakistan. The first training focused on sewing baby garments, while the second focused on jewelry making. After both trainings, Misbah distributed forms to collect for future improvements. Misbah explains that the biggest impact so far is that “the women beneficiaries have learnt new skills through which they can either start a new job or apply for jobs by mentioning in their resume.”

“I aim to empower women in remote areas of Pakistan by providing them with sustainable employment opportunities, fostering economic independence, and catalyzing positive socio-economic change within their communities.”  – Misbah Faiz

IVLP Exchange Experience

Misbah participated in the IVLP Project Women and Entrepreneurship: Small Business, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Vistas, in partnership with World Trade Center Institute, Lincoln Council for International Visitors, GlobalPittsburgh, and the U.S. Department of State Office of International Visitors (OIV) program branch in New York City.

“[While on my IVLP], I noticed that many women in the USA are successfully running their own businesses or contributing to SMEs, leveraging their specific skill sets. This made me realize that a significant barrier for women in Pakistan is the lack of necessary skills. Witnessing the numerous opportunities and support available for women-led SMEs in the USA has inspired me to think more deeply about how we can empower women in my own country and provide them with the skills they need to succeed.” – Misbah Faiz

U.S. Communities Visited 

Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Lincoln, NE; New York City, NY; Pittsburgh, PA

Country: Pakistan

Click here to go back to the IVLP Impact Awards Main page