Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a significant initiative aimed at empowering women in Punjab by setting up driving schools specifically for women. This effort is part of a broader mission to enhance women’s independence and mobility across the region.
Women’s Empowerment in Punjab
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering women in Punjab. These include the “Pink Games” initiative to promote sports among girls, which features competitions across various sports and is set to expand to other cities . Additionally, she inaugurated Pakistan’s first virtual women’s police station, “Meri Awaz…Maryam Nawaz,” designed to provide women with accessible and confidential support for reporting crimes and seeking assistance. Maryam Nawaz also opened driving schools for women to enhance their mobility and independence, which are staffed by female instructors and offer comprehensive training sessions . These efforts collectively aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for women across the province.
Driving Schools Scheme Overview
Maryam Nawaz’s driving schools scheme includes the establishment of four driving schools across Punjab. These schools are dedicated to teaching women essential driving skills for both motorcycling and car driving. The details of these schools are outlined below:
| Driving School | Location | Class Timings | Instructors | Skills Taught |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abshar Driving School | Jail Road | 8 am – 4 pm | Female Instructors | Car and Motorcycle Driving |
| Women on Wheels School | Ferozepur Road | 8 am – 4 pm | Female Instructors | Car and Motorcycle Driving |
| Liberty Service Center Driving School | Liberty | 8 am – 4 pm | Female Instructors | Car and Motorcycle Driving |
| Manawan Traffic Lines Driving School | Manawan | 8 am – 4 pm | Female Instructors | Car and Motorcycle Driving |
Key Features of the Scheme
- Locations: The driving schools are located at Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, Liberty, and Manawan.
- Class Timings: Classes run from 8 am to 4 pm to fit into women’s daily schedules.
- Instructors: All instructors at these schools are female, providing a supportive and comfortable learning environment.
- Skills Taught: Both car and motorcycle driving skills are covered.
Women-to-Women Service
A crucial aspect of this initiative is the women-to-women service. Female instructors will guide and assist women learners, ensuring they receive training in a comfortable and supportive environment. This approach is designed to foster confidence and skill development among women drivers, addressing both safety and comfort concerns.
Objectives of the Driving Schools Initiative
The primary objectives of the driving schools initiative are as follows:
- Empowerment: Promoting women’s independence by enhancing their mobility.
- Skill Development: Providing women with essential driving skills for both cars and motorcycles.
- Safety and Comfort: Ensuring a supportive learning environment with female instructors.
Previous Initiatives by Maryam Nawaz
Previously, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the “Clinics on Wheels” project, which aims to deploy 200 mobile clinics to serve 4 million people in Punjab. This project focuses on areas where access to hospital care is challenging, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
Class Timings and Instructors
What are the timings for the driving classes?
Classes are scheduled from 8 am to 4 pm to accommodate women’s schedules, making it convenient for them to attend.
Who will be the instructors at these driving schools?
Female instructors will be guiding and assisting the women learners, ensuring they receive training in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Conclusion
The CM Maryam Nawaz Driving Schools for Women Scheme represents a bold and transformative step towards women’s empowerment in Punjab. By providing essential driving skills and ensuring a supportive learning environment, this initiative aims to enhance the independence and mobility of women across the province. Through this and other initiatives, Maryam Nawaz continues to demonstrate her commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of women in Punjab.