Spokesman Report
Peshawar:UN Women Pakistan, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, held Women Farmers’ Digital Literacy Training Completion and mobile phone distribution ceremony today at the FAO Office at the Directorate General of Agricultural System in Peshawar, marking the successful conclusion of the “Connected Futures” project.
Through this initiative, 750 women farmers from Bajaur, Mohmand, and Khyber merged districts received training in the essential digital skills to strengthen their productivity, expand their access to markets, and build resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges through enhanced connectivity with the relevant service providers.
Carried out in hard-to-reach and security sensitive districts, the project benefited women farmers with little to no formal schooling. To address barriers to participation, a tailored and inclusive approach was developed. Women were provided hands-on practice with android phones, easy-to-use information packages with QR codes linking to instructional YouTube videos, and a specially designed visual manual for ongoing reference. These innovative methods ensured that women farmers with limited literacy could fully engage in the imparted training and apply the skills in their daily agricultural practices.
Speaking at the event, representative of UN Women, Ms. Zainab Qaiser Khan, said:
“This project is a testament to the resilience and determination of women farmers in Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur. Despite the challenges of low literacy and geographical remoteness, they embraced technology as a tool for empowerment. Connecting them digitally, will strengthen their role in agriculture sector and also enable them to effectively connect with markets and participate in the decision-making processes.”
Representative of FAO, Ms. Kiyal Akmatbek emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting:
“FAO is proud to partner with UN Women and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in this much needed initiative. Access to digital tools and knowledge enhances farming practices, increases efficiency, improves efficiency, and connects women farmers to wider opportunities. This project reflects FAO’s longstanding commitment to building inclusive and sustainable food systems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Representing the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ms Najm us Sahar, Additional Secretary Agriculture Department stated: “The women farmers of our province are at the heart of agricultural development. By equipping them with digital skills and mobile technology, we are investing in stronger communities and a more prosperous future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Government remains committed to supporting such initiatives that uplift rural women and strengthen our agriculture sector.”
The ceremony concluded with the figurative distribution of androids to women farmers, recognizing their achievements in the training program. The initiative underscores the transformative potential of digital inclusion in empowering women, improving livelihoods, and strengthening rural communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
