In a significant move aimed at improving the health and well-being of young girls, the Embassy of China has launched the ‘She Power’ initiative in Balochistan, Pakistan. This project aims to promote the use of hygiene products and foster health awareness among girls in the region. The launch ceremony for the initiative took place at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad at 11:00 AM on July 31, 2024.
Key figures and Dignitaries
The event was attended by a distinguished list of guests, including H.E Mr. Jiang Zaidong, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan; Mr. Sardar Sadiq, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan; Mr. Sheikh Waqas Akram, the Federal Minister of Education and Professional Training; Ms. Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, the Education Minister of Balochistan; Mr. Syed Naveed Qamar, the Chairman of the Finance and Revenue Committee; Counselor German Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan; and Mr. Yang Jianduo, the Chairman of the All Pakistan Chinese Enterprises’ Association (APCEA). The ceremony also saw participation from various Chinese and Pakistani enterprises, as well as other Pakistani officials.
What is the ‘She Power’ Initiative?
The Embassy of China in Pakistan has launched the “She Power” initiative in Balochistan, a significant project designed to enhance the health and well-being of schoolgirls in the region. This initiative aims to address critical health needs by distributing 20,000 health kits to schools across the region. The health kits, which include essential
hygiene products, are intended to promote better health practices among young girls who often face challenges related to inadequate access to such resources. By providing these kits, the initiative seeks to directly impact the daily lives of students and improve their overall health conditions.
In addition to distributing health kits, the “She Power” initiative emphasizes the importance of hygiene education. This component of the project focuses on raising awareness about proper hygiene practices in schools, ensuring that young girls are well-informed about maintaining their health. The initiative aims to foster a culture of health consciousness, equipping students with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement good hygiene practices in their daily lives.
A Focus on Women’s Health and Hygiene
Ms. Raheela Durrani, a women’s representative from Balochistan, emphasized the importance of the ‘She Power’ initiative, noting its focus on raising awareness about hygiene in schools. She highlighted that this initiative is a crucial step towards addressing the unique health needs of young girls in the region, who often face inadequate access to essential hygiene products and health education.
The Chairman of the Finance and Revenue Committee, spoke about the significance of the project for Balochistan. He expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Ambassador for their efforts in addressing issues faced by women in Balochistan.
“I thank them for taking this initiative and addressing issues of women in Balochistan that no one has taken interest in,” he remarked.
He further assured full support from the Pakistani government for any future initiatives by China in Balochistan.
Commitment for Shared Development
H.E Mr. Jiang Zaidong, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing the significance of the ‘She Power’ initiative in Balochistan.
He noted, “This project is very meaningful; it demonstrates the power of women. In China, we say that women, like men, contribute to social development and happiness. They are hardworking and brave, and we want to contribute to the progress and development of Pakistan and Pakistani women.”
Ambassador Zaidong expressed his gratitude to the relevant departments and the implementation team for their work on the project. He also acknowledged the presence of representatives from the German Embassy, expressing a desire to collaborate with other countries for the development of Pakistan. He emphasized China’s commitment to modernization and reforms that benefit the people, highlighting the significance of these efforts for both Chinese and Pakistani societies.
The Role of CPEC and Broader Cooperation
Ambassador H.E Zaidong placed the ‘She Power’ initiative within the broader context of China-Pakistan cooperation, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He reiterated President Xi’s vision of building a community with a shared future and emphasized the importance of considering all regions of Pakistan, including Balochistan, in planning and layout decisions.
“When it comes to CPEC, President Xi’s instruction is that planning and layout should take into account all regions of Pakistan to benefit all its people,” he stated.
He highlighted recent and forthcoming initiatives in Balochistan, including a $100,000 aid relief package in March, solar lighting projects in May, a hospital project in June, and a media delegation’s visit to China in July. The Ambassador also emphasized the future completion of an airport and financial assistance for 803 houses in the province. Crucially, he underscored the continued support for student exchanges, with a special focus on young women, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing educational and professional opportunities for women in the region.
Mr. Sardar Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, reflected on the historical cooperation between China and Pakistan, especially since the inception of CPEC.
He highlighted the renewed focus on empowering the people of Balochistan, particularly through advancements at Gwadar port.
“This initiative by President Xi is not new; it builds on a long history of partnership,” he remarked, emphasizing the renewed attention being given to the development of Balochistan region.
With a growing list of CPEC projects and numerous new initiatives on the horizon, this marks a new era of cooperation. He expressed hope for the success of this project and anticipated further developments aimed at advancing the well-being of the people of the region.
Looking Ahead
The ‘She Power’ initiative in Balochistan is just the beginning of a series of projects aimed at enhancing the lives and educational opportunities for women in Balochistan. As China and Pakistan deepen their collaboration, there is a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for the region. The ongoing dedication to welfare and development underscores the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations, promising significant advancements in women’s empowerment and beyond.
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