Empowering Women Through Kitchen Gardening: Building Skills, Food Security, and Social Cohesion

WAJ recently organized a two-day kitchen gardening training on 25–26 August 2025 at the Village Dheenda Community Center, Haripur. The training brought together 40 women participants25 Afghan refugees and 15 from the host community to learn practical skills in sustainable, home-based food production.

Led by expert trainers from the Agriculture Department, the sessions covered essential topics such as:

  • Seed selection and soil preparation
  • Composting and natural pest control
  • Sowing techniques and water management
  • Hands-on field practice for confidence building

The training also created a space for cross-community collaboration, fostering friendship and cooperation between Afghan and Pakistani women.

Recognition of Women’s Empowerment Efforts

On Day 1, Madam Asiya Zaman, Assistant to District Administrator Afghan Refugees Haripur, joined as Chief Guest. She commended WAJ’s ongoing efforts to promote social cohesion and women’s empowerment through inclusive livelihood initiatives.

Equipping Participants for Success

To ensure immediate application of their new skills, on 28 August 2025, all 40 participants received comprehensive kitchen gardening toolkits including shovels, watering cans, pruning scissors, and more along with 15 packets of vegetable seeds each. These resources empower women to begin their home gardens right away.

Participants expressed strong motivation to put their learning into practice, requested follow-up technical support, and showed interest in advanced training on food preservation and value addition.

Strengthening Food Security and Resilience

This initiative has not only enhanced awareness of food security but also strengthened community bonds, laying a strong foundation for sustainable, women-led resilience.

WAJ remains committed to supporting women through capacity-building programs that create economic opportunities, promote self-reliance, and nurture harmony between refugee and host communities.