Car – e – Niswaan

In Pakistan, the challenge of car ownership and maintenance remains significant for women drivers. The majority of car mechanics lack proper education, and the working environment often proves unsafe for women seeking car repairs. With only one female car mechanic serving a population of 220 million, accessing reliable automotive services is particularly daunting for women in a society where gender stereotypes prevail. Many women, especially those living independently in major cities for work or education, feel uncomfortable visiting car repair markets due to the fear of harassment or overcharging.

During her time in Pakistan for her PhD thesis, a Pakistani Australian friend shared her reluctance to own a car due to these challenges, despite being financially capable. Like her, numerous women face mobility constraints and challenges due to these societal barriers. Women would be happy to go to such a place where workforce don’t stare, don’t pass comments and don’t overcharge them due to their limited knowledge about car and repairing problems.

In Pakistan's conservative society, women have long battled for their rights. Uzma Nawaz stands out as one of the first female car mechanics in the country[1]. Despite facing stereotypes and financial challenges, the 24-year-old earned a mechanical engineering degree and landed a job at an auto repair garage in Multan, a major city in southern parts of Punjab province. Her example inspires others and serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers and offering support to women who aspire to pursue their passions and contribute meaningfully to the society.

The existing societal norms in Pakistan often hinder women from participating in the public sphere, perpetuating their marginalization. However, we envision a future where women actively contribute to nation-building, empower themselves, and gain greater control over their lives.

Despite progress, gender inequality remains deeply rooted in Pakistan, aggravated by the economic challenges amplified by the covid-19 pandemic and recent climate-induced disasters like the 2022 floods, disproportionately affected women. Additionally, women in Pakistan face significant barriers to economic empowerment, with minimal representation in senior roles and persistent wage disparities compared to men. Limited digital and financial literacy further exacerbate these vulnerabilities, leaving women less equipped to withstand economic shocks as per UNDP assessments (2023)[2].

The systematic subordination of women is the basis of gender discrimination in our society, and it creates a gender gap in each sphere of life for women. Women, who make up almost half of Pakistan's population, often face barriers to economic independence due to limited education, skills, financial resources, and societal norms that restrict their participation in income-generating activities.

As we move forward from the pandemic and other climate-related crises, addressing these structural inequalities and empowering women economically will be crucial for the sustainable development of Pakistan.

[1] https://pakistan.asia-news.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_pf/features/2018/10/25/feature-01

[2] https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2023-01/genderequality_in_pakistan-climate_politico-economic_stressors.pdf

Car-e-Niswaan is an effort to provide respectable and safe livelihoods to young women with a primary level of education in a sector that is totally reserved for men and offers no opportunities to women in Pakistan. The automobile repair sector is one of the unregulated job sectors that offers livelihood opportunities to millions of men but none to women.

Car-e-Niswaan seeks to create opportunities for women to enter and establish themselves in the automotive industry across rural and urban centers of Pakistan. By providing a safe and standardized service environment, it aims to address the gender gap prevalent in the automobile manufacturing and maintenance sectors. Through initiatives like Car-e-Niswaan, women can enhance their resilience, achieve self-empowerment, and contribute to reducing gender disparities.

We will establish an automobile training institute of the same name, "Car-e-Niswaan," in collaboration with Novel Ideas Consulting (SMC-Pvt) Limited. The name of this initiative has dual meanings in Urdu, i.e., women’s car and women’s work at the same time.

The proposed institution "Car-e-Niswaan" will offer quality services in a safer environment to women car owners by a trained and qualified female workforce in major cities of Pakistan. The institution will help qualified automobile mechanics to open new workshops in other cities of Pakistan in partnership with stakeholders.

Car-e-Niswaan works on a twofold strategy of providing skill enhancement learning opportunities to young women who want to learn and join this sector. Secondly, it will offer state-of-the-art automobile repair services to women drivers in the town. Trainees will be enrolled for a course of six months, with 3 hours of classroom learning and then 4 hours of practical on-job learning.

The Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) has already designed very elaborative automobile training courses for men, but they don’t offer such courses to women. Car-e-Niswaan will sign an MoU with TEVTA and adopts the course for its women learners. The first batch of 20 female learners would be trained by certified male trainers from TEVTA, and they would identify at least 3-4 master trainers who will take over the training job for future batches.

During the first year, the technical workforce will consist of male mechanics who will be gradually replaced by a female workforce, thus making Car-e-Niswaan such an enterprise that will be completely managed and run by women.

Car-e-Niswaan will also develop partnerships with automobile manufacturers and encourage them to include women technicians in their workforce. In order to provide financial assistance for startup, there are multiple government financing schemes for small and medium enterprise development. Alight will also support the graduates who want to establish their own workshops in other parts of the country.

The impact of this project will be measurable at least after 5 years of its inception. The number of female graduates and the number of new service centers, families benefited, and the number of women entering the automobile industry on various levels would be major indicators and means of verification for this idea.

Government and other stakeholders’ involvement and recognition of this idea are other impactful areas that will help it grow to the next level, where graduates have access to easy finance and other support packages to start their own business in the automobile sector.

The increased number of jobs for women in the automobile manufacturing sector is the third area of impact.

Overall, women’s increased involvement in the automobile and allied sectors would determine the overarching impact of Car-e-Niswaan on the increased role of women in the national economy.

Car-e-Niswaan will be a game-changer for women in several ways. Women’s satisfaction as clients of such service centers, plus their role in other job sectors due to having challenge-free mobility in the major urban sectors of Pakistan, will prove the direct and indirect impact areas of this idea. This will impart such a skill set to women that brings a wide range of livelihood opportunities along with setting up auto repair workshops, repair workshops for agricultural machinery and vehicles in rural areas, opening auto-parts outlets, and engaging in the sales and purchase of automobiles in rural and urban centers, as well as having different jobs in the transportation sector. Women can become a vital part of the supply chain of the automobile sector in Pakistan and elsewhere in the world if this idea is scaled up and replicated in other countries.

Alight (formerly American Refugee Committee–ARC) has been around since 1979, co-creating with communities and integrating human-centered design into our work for over a decade. Our 2500-strong team across 21 countries from four continents understands the experiences and strives to deliver high-quality services worthy of their humanity.

Working in Pakistan since 2002, Alight Pakistan led many successful projects addressing the needs of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers as well as working with displaced people, and underserved communities. We are working in areas of education, skill development, health & nutrition, disaster and post disaster building Alight has the privilege of serving in all provinces and administrative regions of the country. One of Alight’s notable strengths is co-designing programs with the communities it serves.

Alight has worked with diverse donors, including UN agencies, USAID, Islamic Development Bank, Government of Canada, Education Above All and several others.

In Pakistan, Alight follows a set hierarchy which is in place with different programs along with other supporting departments. These departments have codependent working mechanisms led by the Executive Director, Pakistan-Afghanistan. Alight’s core program team is managed by the Deputy Country Director, who along with his team program and development (P&D) is responsible for implementation of all the projects. Furthermore, MEAL department provides methodological support to the program team. Other departments (Finance, Operations, and HR) are well coordinated to support the program team as needed. Furthermore, our communications department plays a vital role in how our donors and beneficiaries perceive our organization by assessing Alight’s presence both on online and offline platforms. As per the project need, additional staff will be taken on board.

Our team, led by individuals deeply embedded within the communities we aim to serve, is uniquely positioned to design and deliver the Car-e-Niswaan solution to our target population.

Firstly, our Team Lead possesses a profound understanding of the challenges and aspirations of young women with primary education in Pakistan. With roots in these communities, our Team Lead brings firsthand knowledge of the socio-economic barriers these women face and the cultural nuances that influence their opportunities. This intimate connection ensures that our solution is not only relevant but also culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of the target population.

Moreover, our team comprises members who hail from similar backgrounds as the women we seek to empower. They bring personal experiences and insights that enrich the design and implementation process of Car-e-Niswaan.

In designing and implementing Car-e-Niswaan, community input, ideas, and agendas are central to our approach. We have actively engaged with local women's groups, community leaders, and stakeholders to solicit feedback and co-create the solution together in all of our programs. Through community forums, focus groups, and consultations, we have listened attentively to the voices of the women we aim to empower, ensuring that their perspectives shape every aspect of Car-e-Niswaan, from training to service delivery.

Furthermore, our team has established partnerships with grassroots organizations and local authorities to ensure that Car-e-Niswaan aligns with existing community initiatives and development agendas.

We selected the ideation phase for Car-e-Niswaan because it represents a new concept that requires piloting. At this stage, we are in the process of developing and refining our solution to address the gender gap in the automobile repair sector in Pakistan. By conducting thorough research, engaging with stakeholders, and leveraging our team's expertise, we have formulated a comprehensive plan to establish an automobile training specifically for young women with primary education. However, before fully implementing the initiative, we recognize the importance of piloting the concept to test its feasibility, effectiveness, and scalability. This will allow us to gather valuable feedback, iterate on our approach, and make necessary adjustments to ensure the success of Car-e-Niswaan in empowering women and promoting gender diversity in the automotive industry.

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to address the specific barriers, we face in implementing Car-e-Niswaan. While our initiative has the potential to empower young women and promote gender diversity in the automobile repair sector in Pakistan, we recognize that we may encounter various challenges along the way.

One significant barrier we anticipate is the lack of access to financial resources to support the development and piloting of our training programs and initiatives. As we aim to provide skill enhancement opportunities for young women with primary education, there may be costs associated with training materials, facilities, and instructor salaries. Additionally, we may need financial assistance to cover operational expenses during the pilot phase, such as transportation, marketing, and administrative costs.

Moreover, there may be technical barriers related to training methodologies, and access to relevant resources and expertise. While we have a dedicated team with expertise in community engagement and program development and management, we may benefit from technical support and guidance to ensure that our training programs are effective, impactful, and sustainable.

Furthermore, we may encounter legal and cultural barriers that could hinder the implementation of Car-e-Niswaan. In Pakistan, there may be regulatory requirements or cultural norms that need to be navigated to establish and operate an automobile training institute specifically for women. Additionally, there may be societal attitudes and perceptions regarding women's roles in the automotive industry that need to be addressed through advocacy and awareness-raising efforts.

Lastly, we may face market barriers related to the acceptance and adoption of our training programs by key stakeholders, including potential employers in the automobile repair sector. While we are confident in the value and potential impact of Car-e-Niswaan, we recognize the importance of building partnerships and collaborations with industry players to ensure the relevance and sustainability of our initiatives.

By applying to Solve, we hope to overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of Car-e-Niswaan to empower women and promote gender diversity in the automotive industry. We believe that Solve's network of partners and supporters can provide us with the financial and technical support we need to succeed. Additionally, we are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organizations and individuals who share our vision and values, and to leverage their expertise and resources to advance our solution. Ultimately, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable future for women in Pakistan's automobile repair sector, and we believe that Solve can help us achieve this goal.

Car-e-Niswaan is an innovative idea in many ways and it has potential of providing livelihoods to millions of women across developing world especially in Islamic countries where women are not welcome in this particular sector. This idea will help defeat the stereotypical mindset about women’s talent and capacity that is the biggest hindrance in their way to join and progress in untraditional job sectors. Reduction in gender gap, increased income and more resources under the control of women, will surely lead towards a quality life for coming generations who will have more opportunities to thrive.

In countries like Pakistan, women make half of the total population; yet they are not fully productive and part of national labor force. This innovation will open the doors of multiple allied sectors for women who would contribute in national economy directly and indirectly.

Our theory of change for Car-e-Niswaan is rooted in the belief that providing skill enhancement opportunities for young women in Pakistan's automobile repair sector will lead to immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes that empower and uplift the target population.

 Immediate Outputs:

Training Programs: We will develop and implement comprehensive training programs designed specifically for young women with primary education. These programs will include both classroom learning and practical on-the-job training to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the automotive industry.

Partnerships with TEVTA: By partnering with the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), we will adopt existing automobile training courses designed for men and tailor them to meet the needs of our female learners. This collaboration will ensure access to quality education and certification for our participants.

Engagement with Stakeholders: We will actively engage with local women's groups, community leaders, and stakeholders to solicit feedback and co-create our training programs. This participatory approach will ensure that our initiatives are culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of the target population.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

Increased Economic Opportunities: Through participation in our training programs, young women will gain the skills and confidence to pursue careers in the automobile repair sector. By entering the workforce, they will access new economic opportunities and contribute to their families' and communities' financial stability.

Gender Equality and Empowerment: By breaking down barriers to entry in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Car-e-Niswaan will promote gender equality and empowerment. Women will gain greater agency over their lives and decision-making processes, leading to increased autonomy and self-confidence.

Social and Cultural Change: As trained female mechanics become more visible in the automotive industry, societal attitudes and perceptions regarding women's roles and capabilities will begin to shift. Car-e-Niswaan will challenge stereotypes and gender norms, paving the way for greater acceptance and inclusion of women in non-traditional professions.

Community Development: By empowering women economically and socially, Car-e-Niswaan will contribute to broader community development. As women gain employment and financial independence, they will invest in their families' education, health, and well-being, leading to improved overall community outcomes.

By providing skill enhancement opportunities for young women in the automobile repair sector, Car-e-Niswaan aims to create a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond the individual level to benefit families, communities, and society as a whole.

Increase in Employment Opportunities: Our primary impact goal is to increase the number of young women employed in the automobile repair sector. We measure this by tracking the number of participants who successfully complete our training programs and secure employment as mechanics or technicians in the automotive industry.

 Improved Economic Empowerment: We aim to improve the economic status of participating women and their families by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities. We measure this by assessing changes in participants' income levels, household financial stability, and access to economic resources over time.

 Promotion of Gender Equality: We seek to challenge gender norms and promote gender equality within the automobile repair sector and broader society. We measure this by monitoring changes in attitudes towards women's participation in non-traditional professions, as well as increases in the number of women employed in leadership roles within the industry.

 Enhanced Social Inclusion: We aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the automotive industry, thereby promoting greater social inclusion and community cohesion. We measure this by tracking indicators such as community acceptance of female mechanics, participation in community activities, and perceptions of social belonging among participants.

 Long-Term Sustainability: We aim to ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of Car-e-Niswaan by building strong partnerships with stakeholders, developing institutional capacity, and promoting local ownership of the initiative. We measure this by assessing the continued engagement of key partners, the establishment of sustainable funding mechanisms, and the expansion of Car-e-Niswaan's reach to new regions and communities.

 These impact goals align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By measuring our progress towards these goals through a range of indicators, we can effectively track the impact of Car-e-Niswaan and make informed decisions to optimize our outcomes for the benefit of our target population.

The core technology that powers Car-e-Niswaan is a combination of digital platforms, educational tools, and traditional knowledge systems, all aimed at empowering women and promoting gender diversity in the automotive industry. Our solution harnesses the power of modern technology alongside traditional methodologies to address the pressing issue of gender disparity in Pakistan's automobile repair sector.

Digital Learning Platforms:

Car-e-Niswaan utilizes digital learning platforms such as online modules, instructional videos, and interactive tutorials to deliver high-quality education to its female learners. These platforms provide accessible and flexible learning opportunities, allowing women to acquire essential skills in automobile repair regardless of their location or background. By leveraging digital technology, Car-e-Niswaan ensures that women receive comprehensive training in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, setting them up for success in the workforce.

Mobile Applications and SMS Technology:

To enhance accessibility and engagement, Car-e-Niswaan employs mobile applications and SMS technology to deliver educational content and communicate with its students. Through a dedicated mobile app, women can access course materials, track their progress, and receive real-time feedback from instructors. SMS technology is used to send reminders, notifications, and important updates, ensuring that women stay connected and informed throughout their training journey. By leveraging mobile technology, Car-e-Niswaan empowers women with the tools they need to succeed in the male-dominated automotive industry.

Traditional Knowledge Systems:

In addition to modern technology, Car-e-Niswaan recognizes the value of traditional knowledge systems in promoting sustainable practices and cultural preservation. The curriculum incorporates traditional techniques and methodologies passed down through generations, ensuring that women learn not only the latest advancements in automobile repair but also time-tested methods rooted in local heritage. By blending modern and ancestral technologies, Car-e-Niswaan creates a holistic learning environment that honors the rich diversity of Pakistan's cultural heritage while equipping women with the skills they need to thrive in the automotive industry.

Overall, Car-e-Niswaan harnesses the power of technology, both modern and traditional, to empower women and drive positive social change in Pakistan's automobile repair sector. By leveraging digital platforms and traditional knowledge systems, Car-e-Niswaan provides women with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry, ultimately benefiting both people and the planet.

While our global team comprises 3500 staff members, the focus of this project will be driven by our Pakistan team. 

 Tariq H. Cheema – Executive Director Pakistan & Afghanistan

Atif Sohail – Deputy Country Director

Syeda Hafsa – Senior Program Development Officer

Klaudia Khan – Lead Amplifier

Yasir Ilyas – Senior Project Manager

Shahzad Qamar - Finance Controller

Manzoor ul Hassan - Finance Manager

Hurriat ul Islam - Finance Officer

Ramsha Anis – Senior Human Resource Officer

Habib ur Rehman - Operations Manager

Ali Imran - Operations Assistant

Sheraz Anjum – Graphic Designer

Khurshid Ahmed – Full Stack Developer

Our team has dedicated two years to developing Car-e-Niswaan, an innovative initiative aimed at empowering young women in Pakistan by offering them opportunities in the traditionally male-dominated automobile repair sector. During this time, we crafted a comprehensive plan to establish an automobile training plan, forge partnerships with relevant authorities, and create pathways for female technicians to thrive in the industry. Now, with our strategy solidified, we are eagerly awaiting the financial support needed to launch this transformative project and make a meaningful impact on gender equality and economic empowerment in Pakistan.

To ensure diversity and inclusion, we employ gender-sensitive HR policies, offer regular training on diversity and inclusion, and actively recruit from diverse backgrounds. Our Gender Equity and Equality Policy guides our commitment to promoting gender equality across all aspects of our operations, with designated roles and consequences for breaches. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and empowered.

The Gender Equity and Equality Policy of ALIGHT outlines the organization's commitment to promoting gender equality across its operations and programs in Pakistan. Emphasizing the fundamental right to gender equality for everyone, the policy aims to address gender discrimination and ensure that women and men, girls and boys are equally recognized and valued. It sets objectives to inspire and empower staff, integrate gender concerns at both organizational and program levels, and comply with national and international laws and guidelines. The policy includes provisions for gender-sensitive HR policies, regular staff training, designated roles and responsibilities, and consequences for breaches of the policy, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to promoting a gender-sensitive culture within the organization.

Our business model for Car-e-Niswaan revolves around providing value to two key stakeholders: young women with primary education seeking employment opportunities in the automobile repair sector, and the wider community seeking accessible and reliable automotive maintenance services.

For young women:

Training Programs: We provide comprehensive skill enhancement training programs tailored specifically for young women interested in pursuing careers in the automotive industry. These programs include classroom learning and practical on-the-job training, equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as mechanics or technicians.

Employment Opportunities: Through our training programs, we connect participants with employment opportunities in the automobile repair sector. By partnering with local workshops and automobile manufacturers, we facilitate the placement of trained female mechanics in positions that offer fair wages and opportunities for career advancement.

For the wider community:

Automotive Maintenance Services: In addition to training programs, we offer automotive maintenance and repair services to the wider community, with a focus on providing a safe and welcoming environment for women drivers. By employing trained female mechanics and creating a female-friendly space, we aim to address the gender gap prevalent in the automotive service industry and provide accessible and reliable services to women car owners.

We provide these products and services through our automobile training institute, which serves as both an educational institution and a service center. Our institute offers training facilities equipped with classrooms and practical training areas, as well as a workshop for providing automotive maintenance and repair services to customers.

Our customers and beneficiaries want and need these products and services because they provide opportunities for economic empowerment, gender equality, and improved access to reliable automotive services. Young women benefit from gaining valuable skills and access to employment opportunities in a male-dominated industry, while the wider community benefits from access to female-friendly automotive services that address their unique needs and preferences. Through our business model, we aim to create value for both our customers and the communities we serve, contributing to positive social and economic outcomes.

Car-e-Niswaan aims for financial sustainability through a combination of revenue streams, ensuring that our operations are not solely reliant on donations or grants. Our revenue model includes:

Training Fees: The primary source of income for Car-e-Niswaan is through training fees charged to participants enrolling in our six-month automobile repair course. While initially subsidized to make the program accessible, we gradually adjust fees to cover the costs of training, infrastructure, and operational expenses.

 Government Funding: We will leverage partnerships with government agencies like the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) to access funding for our training initiatives. This includes grants and subsidies for vocational education programs targeted at women's empowerment and skill development.

 Public-Private Partnerships: Car-e-Niswaan collaborates with automobile manufacturers and service providers to develop customized training programs, consultancy services, and workforce placement opportunities. These partnerships not only provide revenue through service contracts but also support our graduates' integration into the automotive industry.

 Workshop Services: As we transition to an enterprise managed and operated entirely by women, Car-e-Niswaan will generate income through the operation of our own automobile repair workshops. These workshops will offer services to the public, providing practical training opportunities for our graduates while generating revenue to sustain our operations.

 Government Financing Facilitation: We facilitate access to government financing schemes for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for our graduates interested in establishing their own workshops. While not directly generating revenue for Car-e-Niswaan, this support contributes to the long-term sustainability of our mission by promoting entrepreneurship among our alumni.

 Success in generating revenue and achieving financial sustainability is evidenced by our ability to cover operational expenses, expand our training programs, and support graduates in establishing their own workshops.