ISLAMABAD: Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Margaret Adamson on Thursday inaugurated a dedicated footwear production unit for women at Footlib, a local manufacturer in Lahore. The initiative, funded by the Australian government through its Market Development Facility (MDF), aims to increase women’s workforce participation and support the internationally competitive footwear sector in Pakistan. While inaugurating the stitching line, Adamson said, “I congratulate Pakistan footwear manufacturers in pioneering improved productivity in the industry by empowering women, and encourage other industries to follow this example. Currently, only 25 percent of women are employed in Pakistan.” Footlib CEO and Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association (PFMA) Chairman Waseem Zakaria thanked the Australian government for its support and said, “We believe employing women is good for business. A dedicated production line helps women learn from their peers, and offers them a comfortable environment. This initiative is bringing value to our business and contributes towards making Pakistan more competitive in the international market.” The MDF is the Australian government’s AUD9.8 million private sector investment programme in Pakistan. Since 2014, Australia has worked with 28 Pakistani businesses in the leather, horticulture and dairy sectors. Currently, the MDF has partnerships with 27 businesses in Pakistan and is aiming to expand to 42 by the middle of next year. The MDF has improved lives of 2,300 women so far and increased women’s income collectively by an estimated Rs 55 million.