Women’s economic empowerment can help to improve their social status if women are also knowledgeable about their legal and human rights”, said Sameena Nazir, Director PODA at the conclusion of a two-days Christmas Bazaar organized by PODA in Islamabad. Rural women artisans from minority community need special recognition and incentives because they face greater hardships in Pakistani society compared to others, she said. The two days event brought together Christian and Muslim women artisans from rural areas of Chakwal, Rawalpindi and Barakahu Islamabad who were given the opportunity to sell their handmade products as unique Christmas gifts. The women learnt marketing skills and were delighted to sell the bags and jewelry they made by recycling paper and plastic bags. Over 100 women are learning plastic and paper recycling techniques through a project run by PODA with the support of The Asia Foundation in Pakistan. Learning how to sell the handicrafts they make is part of this training project. The project is also providing livelihood to many women artisans. A woman artisan from Chakwal said she is teaching papier making skill to new students and earning her livelihood through this art. “ 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”, said Deeba Rana who was working as artisan at work at the event. The women artisans selling the crafts were also happy that many visitors were appreciating their handmade items. “ I am happy that our bags made with used plastic bags are so popular”, said Uzma from the rural areas of Islamabad, Barakahu. The two day event attracted a large number of guests from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. One family came from Lal Kurti Rawalpindi and another from DHA all the way to see a Christams Bazaar. “ It is delightful to see the inter-faith harmony at this event”, said Shazia Gill who was happy to buy traditional Christmas color red and green towels. Many other guests bought lots of gifts to give to friends and family at Christmas time. PODA has also organized a Children’s corner at the bazaar where a happy Santa Claus greeted the guests and gave gifts to visiting children. A Mehndi (Henna) stall and traditional food was also being served along with coffee and Santa’s popular cookies. During the two days Bazaar, PODA also collected clothes and gifts for women in prison that will be delivered to women in Adiala (Rawalpindi) and Jehlum prison on 10th December 2012 on mark the universal day of human rights as part of 16 days activism. For more information contact womenrights@poda.org.pk or info@poda.org.pk