PROVINCE REPORT
RAWALPINDI: Theatre Wallay and Austrian Embassy in Islamabad, in collaboration with Shirakat Foundation, presented an exclusive Urdu theatre play focusing on women’s empowerment and entrepreneurial independence on October 17, 2026, at UC Sahang, Tehsil Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi. Shirakat Foundation is a women-led women’s rights organisation that began as a volunteer initiative following the 2005 earthquake. It has since grown into a nationally recognised non-profit organisation working in community development, research, policy advocacy, and youth and women’s empowerment. The organisation is currently working on three projects: Manzil, Selma and Thriving Futures. Over the past 5 years, it has supported over 4000 micro-entrepreneurs enhancing their capacity to grow their businesses to the next level through provision of a holistic training, marketing including digital marketing, exposure and mentorship programme .
Shirakat Foundation facilitated the engagement by providing access to the communities as well as women micro-entrepreneurs, enabling the community and beneficiaries to enjoy the performance.
The primary objective of the performance was to raise awareness about Women Micro-Entrepreneurs (WMEs), their economic independence and their contribution to building sustainable livelihoods and businesses.
The 45-minute performance brought together 100 female entrepreneurs and beneficiaries from Manzil, Thriving Future and SELMA projects implemented by Shirakat Foundation, providing an opportunity to explore women’s entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and financial independence.
Through an engaging and accessible theatrical format, the play explored the opportunities and challenges women encounter as they seek to establish livelihoods, develop businesses and become economically independent. It also highlighted social attitudes and practical barriers that can affect women’s participation in economic activities, encouraging audience members to reflect on these issues and engage with the subject.
The performance was attended by H.E. Wolfgang Kutschera, Austrian Ambassador to Pakistan, who appreciated the theatrical play. Representatives of the Austrian Embassy and members of the press were also present.
Theatre Wallay is an Islamabad-based theatre group working across theatre, education, cultural exchange and social change. Founded by Fizza Hasan, its Artistic Director, the company uses theatre to encourage dialogue, raise awareness and engage audiences with important social issues.
The performance at UC Sahang provided a platform for young women to reflect on women’s empowerment and entrepreneurial independence. By bringing these themes to the community through theatre, the initiative encouraged dialogue about the opportunities available to women and the social and practical barriers they may face in building independent economic futures.
