If you have ever travelled from Karachi towards Mirpur Khan on the motorway, you’ll notice that there are many roadside dhabas and small hotels. But, have you ever noticed that there are female customers but no female employees?
One cafe in Mirpur Khas is changing that. In the cafe, all the staff from the tea maker, to the fritter fryer, and server are women.
These commendable ladies have stepped up and out of their homes to earn an honest livelihood. BBC Urdu interviewed them. They shared that they had to earn because they don’t have anyone in their household that earn.
One lady shared that her father was the bread-earner but he passed away 2 years ago. She had to earn somehow to survive hence she started to work at the cafe. Moreover, these women are proud of where they come from and what they do.
They believe they’re earning through a proud business even if it’s a roadside cafe, this is something they think is decent work.
Rubika Parvaiz, one of the employees at the cafe shared that the concept of women working at such cafes is a rare sight in Mirpur Khas. Most men do not force their women to earn, some don’t give permission as well.
This cafe was opened by the European Union to help these women feel empowered. Another employee Sajida shared that she is a housewife and her home’s financial conditions were not good. She does not have her father or brothers to help and support her. But, since she joined the cafe, the conditions of her household have improved.
Even the shops nearby are a part of the EU project and are helping women earn money by running small businesses.
Many people come from different corners of Pakistan to support these women after seeing and hearing about their amazing initiative on social media.
One of the customers added that you can visit different provinces and areas all over Pakistan, but you will hardly find such women who are working so hard and are doing so well.
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