Karachi, March 13, 2024 – Engro Polymer & Chemicals Limited (EPCL), a subsidiary of Engro Corporation, in collaboration with Engro Foundation, has joined hands with Descon Technical Institute to pioneer a groundbreaking forklift training program exclusively for women in Pakistan.
This pioneering initiative aligns with Engro’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive culture, extending its positive impact across a broader spectrum of the community. The training program, aptly named Umeed-e-Nouh, marks a significant step in empowering women and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and expertise for challenging technical roles within the manufacturing and supply chain sectors.
The 7-week Umeed-e-Nouh program is designed to train women to operate forklifts efficiently at manufacturing and supply chain sites. Out of 172 candidates who underwent a rigorous selection process, 21 individuals were chosen for the inaugural batch. This initiative stands as a testament to EPCL’s dedication to promoting diversity, particularly within technical domains.
Jahangir Piracha, the CEO of Engro Polymer & Chemicals, highlighted the company’s commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion. “Beyond offering training opportunities, our priority was to establish a nurturing environment that empowers and facilitates women, enabling them to concentrate fully on their learning and gain financial stability. We are dedicated to instigating transformative change that extends its impact to a broader societal level,” said Piracha.
To support the candidates during the training program, EPCL and its partners ensured that necessary resources were provided. This included a weekly stipend for financial support, lunch during training sessions, and a safe commute to and from the training location. Furthermore, a third-party certification from Inspectest, a reputable testing facility, was awarded to verify the operational skills of the participants and certify their training as sufficient for operational roles.
With the successful completion of the training program, EPCL, along with other manufacturing facilities, is now actively exploring opportunities to integrate these skilled women into various technical roles within their operations. This not only demonstrates the tangible impact of the initiative but also highlights the commitment of EPCL and Engro Foundation to creating lasting change in the lives of women by providing them with meaningful employment opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields.
As Umeed-e-Nouh blazes a trail in empowering women for forklift operation, it stands as a beacon for other companies to follow suit and invest in similar initiatives that contribute to a more inclusive and diverse workforce in Pakistan.
