Begum Alvi stresses empowerment of women by preserving their unique arts, crafts
Staff Reporter
Begum Samina Arif Alvi Tuesday stressed on preserving unique arts and crafts of the country and called for facilitation of women artisans to ensure their economic empowerment.
She was speaking at the launch of the book “Embroidering Dreams” by the Behbud Association at Serena Hotel.
She expressed pleasure at the launch of the book saying the book was published with mind and spirit by the Behbud Association of Pakistan.
She said, “I have known of Behbud’s work over the past several years and recently at close quarters I find that in our country it takes a lead in the economic empowerment of women, running the largest Industrial home for home-based workers. “
Begum Samina said the book focused on 11 various native crafts of needlework, and also documented and archived the stories of the volunteers and the craftswomen working for Behbud who were not less than national heroes.
It is great pleasure to see some of these craftswomen sitting here today.
They will see for themselves how their work is honored. I believe we should preserve our arts and crafts as it is a very unique thing and as time passes, it seems, we will hardly find hand embroidery.” “The lady volunteers of Behbud are to be admired.
They have worked selflessly for many years under the leadership of the founder, Begum Akhtar Riazuddin and now under the able and tireless lady, Abida Malik. “
She said like the rest of world Pakistan was badly affected by Covid-19, but our response was remarkable.
The government quickly implemented the Ehsaas Emergency Programme, where initially 12 million families were provided with a stipend, she observed.
“It has later been extended to reach almost half the population of Pakistan.
Then there is the Kamyab Jawan Programme for the youth, provision for free food, loans to start businesses, health cards and house building loans.”
She suggested that Behbud could create awareness about of these innovations amongst its workers so that they could avail themselves of the benefits offered.
She asked Behbud to create awareness about female loans that all banks were providing especially the First Woman Bank.
Begum Alvi said she gave this book to Turkish President’s wife Mrs Emine Erdogan who really appreciated it and wanted a Pakistan and Turkey exchange program on hand embroidery.
“It is a valuable addition to the coffee tables of your homes.
