PODA For Creating Linkages Between Local Artisans, Int'l Buyers

An exhibition was arranged to create linkages among local artisans and the international buyers for the promotion of local arts and crafts and achieving sustainability and livelihood for artisans, an official of Potohar Organization of Development Advocacy (PODA) Friday said

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jan, 2018 ) :An exhibition was arranged to create linkages among local artisans and the international buyers for the promotion of local arts and crafts and achieving sustainability and livelihood for artisans, an official of Potohar Organization of Development Advocacy (PODA) Friday said.

This would create economic livelihood opportunities for the local artisans thus improving their quality of life, the official added. Women's economic empowerment can help to improve their social status and needs to be supported at all levels.

The official further said rural women artisans needed special recognition and incentives because they faced greater hardships in the society. The official said Pakistans rich cultural heritage and hospitality had always been a great attraction for the foreigners; unfortunately home-made artisans lacked exposure and linkages with the national and international markets since majority of them even did not have basic education.

Hardly a few artisans know how to use the power of Information and Communication Technology to reach the international buyers, the official added. A woman artisan from Bhara Kahu said she was teaching her skill to new students and earning her livelihoods.

Ten years ago, I had never picked a paint brush in my life but today I am a master artisan and teaching other rural girls how to be creative and become economically independent, Deeba Rana said who was working as artisan. She said the women artisans selling the crafts were also happy that many visitors were appreciating their hand-made items.