PAKISTAN
A woman sits on the ground, about to pour water over a colander full of apricots to prepare them for the next steps. Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
“ The trainer showed us how to make Turkish-style apricots and jams. It was like unlocking a treasure chest of knowledge.”
PAKISTAN
Across the lush valleys of northern Pakistan, women have long cared for their family’ s fruit and nut trees. Often, these trees produce greater yield than the family can consume— leaving the excess to waste. Though selling the surplus could generate income, many women lack the training and resources to make this happen.
This challenge is part of a larger issue across Pakistan and much of South and Central Asia, where women face economic insecurity, limited access to formal employment, and systemic barriers to independence. Without proper employment training or support, breaking the cycle of poverty remains difficult.
To address these challenges, Central Asia Institute has partnered with Moawin Foundation to help women build sustainable livelihoods. One successful initiative is the CAI-sponsored Fruit and Nut Dehydration Centers in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Six centers now train women, and sometimes their families, to process, dehydrate, and package fruit and nuts for sale in local markets. Most women already have these trees on their land, so the program builds on what they already grow. Each participant receives hands-on instruction and starting supplies.
In the last year alone, nearly 100 women, averaging 47 years in age, saw their income double or triple to 40,000 – 100,000 Pakistani Rupees( roughly $ 140 –$ 351 USD).“ The trainer showed us how to make Turkish-style apricots and jams. It was like unlocking a treasure chest of knowledge,” said one participant.“ Last year my income was 22,000 PKR [ about $ 78 ]— after the training, it increased to 48,000 PKR [ about $ 170 ].”
But the impact doesn’ t end there. These women now have the skills and confidence to pass on what they’ ve learned, empowering other women and girls in their villages. And with a modest investment of just $ 285 per beneficiary, this program is not only changing individual lives but also paving the way to uplift families and strengthen entire communities.
Participants pit apricots in preparation for dehydration and transformation into jam. Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Photos on this page by Yawar Talib
16 | 2025-2026 JOURNEY OF HOPE CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE