Sowing Seeds of Change: Empowering Women and Transforming Cotton Farming

Artistic Milliners, in partnership with the Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business (CERB) and the Pakistan Business Council, is driving significant change in rural Pakistan through the Milliner Cotton Initiative (MCI). This program is dedicated to empowering rural women and transforming cotton farming through sustainable practices.

The MCI addresses systemic barriers faced by women in rural areas by introducing two key programs: the Alternate Livelihood Program (ALP) and Fields of Equity. The ALP equips women with skills in micro-enterprises like kitchen gardening, poultry farming, and bee- farming, creating new avenues for sustainable income, especially during non-farming seasons. For instance, Shahida Bibi's monthly income rose significantly through kitchen gardening, allowing her to invest in her children's education. Similarly, Zarina Bibi transformed her passion for sewing into a sustainable livelihood, contributing substantially to her family's income.

Fields of Equity, active in both MCI and AM-Regen communities, provides training and tools for female farmers to actively participate in cotton farming—a traditionally male-dominated field. Participants learn modern farming techniques, including sustainable practices like improved soil management, integrated pest management, and water-efficient irrigation. Zahra Bibi, for example, cultivated a thriving cotton crop, diversified into goat farming, and repaid her loan, showcasing remarkable entrepreneurial spirit.

This economic empowerment has directly led to greater respect and influence for women within their households, challenging traditional gender roles. Women like Noreen Akhtar, through her poultry business, gained the confidence to advocate for her children's education.

The initiative also champions sustainability. A pilot in Rahim Yar Khan demonstrated significant environmental benefits: 14.3% fewer tillage operations, a 21.6% decrease in pesticide usage, and a 13.6% reduction in irrigation water usage. These practices led to increased cotton yield and a 32.8% reduction in overall farming costs, proving that sustainability and economic success go hand-in-hand.

The Milliner Cotton Initiative presents a compelling business case for responsible practices, stabilizing supply chains and meeting rising demands for ethical sourcing. Artistic Milliners is committed to expanding these programs, ensuring long-term self-reliance for participants and continuing to inspire a more equitable and sustainable future for rural communities in Pakistan

Read the full case study at https://bit.ly/3FzoQoo