For 2012 Ansar Foundation decided to fund the widows of Quetta, Baluchistan by supplying 45 sewing machines and 4 bicycles at a cost of 407,000 Pakistan Rupees. The bicycles were donated to 4 labourers to aid them in transport to and from their places of work. the machines were donated to these women as a means of earning an income from their homes to support their families.
Al-khidmat Foundation bought us in contact with a local woman who took it upon herself to teach the poor women in the district basic sewing skills. Tailoring services offered by women is a safe and practical way for many of these women with responsibilities of raising a family, with the loss of the main bread winner, to earn an income. The hurdle facing most of these women was the outlay required in acquiring a sewing machine. By supplying the sewing machine these women were given the independence to start their own businesses from whom without the pressure of taking out loans.
One of the sewing machines was donated to the lady who started up the training scheme in order that she could continue her excellent work.
The remainder were donated to women who had been selected by Al-Khidmat Foundation based on prior groundwork conducted on the plight of these women.
These women once proficient in the use of these machines can earn a main income especially during the periods of Eid celebrations and the wedding season.
In the cases where the women were unable to intend male relatives representing them picked up the sewing machines on their behalf.