The Government of Punjab has opened registration for its She Threads Programme, an initiative aimed at improving economic opportunities for rural women through vocational training and employment in the textile and garment manufacturing industry.
Launched under the initiative of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the programme seeks to equip women with practical, market-oriented skills that can help them secure jobs and become financially independent.
The programme is sponsored by the Punjab Women Development Department and implemented in collaboration with the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF).
According to an announcement issued on 2 November 2026, approximately 1,150 women have already completed training and secured employment through the initiative. The government has set a target of training 2,500 women by June 2027.
What Does the She Threads Programme Offer?
The She Threads Programme provides selected participants with three months of free vocational training in specialised textile industry skills.
Women enrolled in the programme will receive:
- Monthly stipend: Rs. 15,000 during the three-month training period.
- Free vocational training: Practical and classroom-based instruction in textile and garment manufacturing.
- Training materials: Free materials required during the training.
- Transportation assistance: Support for participants travelling to training facilities.
- Employment opportunities: Assistance in securing employment with participating textile companies after successful completion of training.
In addition to technical skills, participants will receive training in workplace communication, teamwork and digital financial literacy.
The programme is intended to prepare women for employment in the formal textile industry rather than limiting vocational training to traditional home-based activities.
Training Areas and Skills
The initiative focuses on developing skills required by textile and garment manufacturing companies.
Some of the specialised training areas include:
- Industrial stitching machine operation
- Apparel supervision
- Fabric inspection and quality control
- Garment production processes
- Fabric cutting and finishing
- Other textile-related technical skills
The latest registration announcements specifically highlight training for Industrial Stitching Machine Operators and Apparel Supervisors.
The combination of practical factory-based experience and classroom instruction is intended to help participants understand industrial production requirements and workplace practices.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
The programme primarily targets women from rural and less-developed areas of Punjab who are interested in entering the workforce or pursuing self-employment.
According to the programme’s official information and recent registration announcements, the main eligibility requirements include:
- Applicants must be women aged between 18 and 45 years.
- Applicants must hold a valid Punjab domicile.
- Applicants should have at least a Matriculation qualification under the latest registration notices.
- Preference is directed towards women from rural and less-developed communities.
The programme’s official website initially identified Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sheikhupura and Multan as its target districts.
Applicants should confirm the educational requirements and other admission conditions with the relevant training centre before submitting their applications.
How to Apply for the She Threads Programme?
Registration is being conducted through participating textile factories and training partners.
Recent registration announcements have identified the following locations:
1. Lahore – Shahkam Industries
Women interested in training opportunities in Lahore can approach Shahkam Industries on Defence Road, near Multan Road.
2. Faisalabad – Masood Textile Mills
Registration has also been announced at Masood Textile Mills, located on Sheikhupura–Faisalabad Road.
3. Pasrur – Qutab Star Enterprises
The Punjab Women Development Department has also announced registration at Qutab Star Enterprises in Pasrur, Sialkot district.
Applicants are advised to carry the following documents:
- Original Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC)
- Punjab domicile certificate
Candidates will undergo initial screening and eligibility verification. Shortlisted applicants may also be required to submit an affidavit before final admission.
Registration is subject to available seats and the training courses offered at each location. Interested women should contact the relevant training centre to confirm current availability before visiting.
Which Organisations Are Implementing the Programme?
The She Threads initiative is sponsored by the Punjab Women Development Department, with implementation support from the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF).
The programme also involves partnerships with textile industry employers to connect trained women with employment opportunities.
According to the Punjab government’s announcement, 1,150 women have already completed training and obtained jobs under the initiative. The target of 2,500 trained women by June 2027 reflects the government’s plan to expand the programme.
Supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment
Access to vocational training and formal employment remains an important challenge for women in rural Pakistan. Limited employment opportunities, mobility constraints and a lack of market-oriented technical skills can prevent women from participating in the formal economy.
By connecting vocational training with textile industry employers, the She Threads Programme aims to address some of these barriers.
The provision of a monthly stipend during training may also help women manage the costs associated with participating in a skills development programme.
The initiative is particularly relevant for women seeking to enter the textile and garment manufacturing sector, one of Pakistan’s important industrial and export-oriented sectors.
Interested applicants should consult the official programme website and contact the relevant training centres for the latest registration information.
Official Programme Information and Registration Updates:
