Samira Nizami
Jamshoro: Forty young women engineers from rural districts of Sindh have completed hands-on training in solar roof installation, leadership and team-building under the LADIESFUND Solar Roof Installation Training Programme held at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology.
The initiative was implemented by Dawood Global Foundation and sponsored by Oil and Gas Development Company Limited along with the foundation’s Educate a Girl programme. The training aims to equip participants with technical expertise and industry-relevant experience in Pakistan’s expanding renewable energy sector.
Participants From Rural Sindh
The participants represented several districts across Sindh, including Sanghar, Badin, Ghotki, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Khairpur, Tando Allah Yar, Jamshoro, Sujawal, Tando Muhammad Khan, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Larkana, Dadu, Matiari and Shaheed Benazirabad.
During the programme, trainees gained practical knowledge of solar roof installation, system maintenance and safety protocols, alongside leadership, business management and team-building skills.
Twenty-five students were sponsored by OGDC, while fifteen were supported through the Dawood Global Foundation’s Educate a Girl initiative.
Community Impact Through Solar Projects
As part of the applied learning component, participants will contribute to solarisation projects at the Darul Aman Women’s Shelter in Hyderabad, extending the programme’s benefits to the community.
The initiative also offers internship opportunities with Dawood Global Foundation, OGDC and LADIESFUND Energy, enabling trainees to transition from training to professional engagement in the clean energy industry.
Support From Government and Academia
The programme was inaugurated by Fayyaz Hussain Abbasi, who emphasised the importance of technical education and women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Zain Ul Abedin Qasmani attended the event as guest of honour and reaffirmed the administration’s support for inclusive and skills-based development initiatives.
The closing ceremony was attended by Dr Tauha Ali and the deputy commissioner of Hyderabad, reflecting institutional support for women’s empowerment through technical education.
Leaders Highlight Importance of Women in Renewable Energy
Speaking at the event, Commissioner Hyderabad Fayyaz Hussain Abbasi said the initiative was not only about technical training but also about empowering youth with skills that shape their future.
Deputy Commissioner Zain Ul Abedin Qasmani said it was encouraging to see young female engineers entering the renewable energy sector and developing leadership capabilities.
Tara Uzra Dawood, chief executive officer of Dawood Global Foundation and LADIESFUND Energy, said the programme was designed to empower women to lead and innovate in the global clean energy landscape.
Meanwhile, Sumbal Wahab, senior corporate social responsibility officer at OGDC, noted that such initiatives help uplift communities and create opportunities for women to launch ventures and contribute to society.
Students Share Transformative Experience
Aaisha Zaidi, a final-year electrical engineering student at Mehran University from Sanghar, said the training had provided valuable hands-on experience installing solar photovoltaic panels and testing systems.
She added that the programme strengthened her ambition to pursue postgraduate studies in renewable energy and build a professional career in the field.
Advancing Women’s Empowerment Through Technical Education
Officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Hyderabad expressed appreciation for the support provided by Tara Uzra Dawood, Sumbal Wahab, Dr Tauha Ali and Dr Nasrullah Pirzada in facilitating the initiative.
The training programme reflects Dawood Global Foundation’s ongoing commitment to promoting women’s empowerment through technical education, sustainable livelihoods and climate-resilient development across Pakistan.
