Multan, November 21, 2019: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Julie Koenen signed a tripartite MoU with Mundri Sheep Breeders Welfare Society and DG Khan Chamber of Commerce and Industry to formally launch the second phase of the Women Empowerment in South Punjab through Investment in Rural Economy (WEinSPIRE) during a three-day trip to Multan and Bahawalpur.

“The enterprising women of South Punjab, who have previously made WEinSPIRE successful in Bahawalpur have set an example for the resilient women of DG Khan. I am confident that with the support of our partners, the dynamic women entrepreneurs from DG Khan will become successful livestock farmers – contributing to their families, communities and the country,” said Mission Director Koenen.

Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Ahmed Ali Khan Dareshak received the U.S. delegation highlighting the U.S.-Pakistan partnership and the potential that this program represents for women farmers in south Punjab.

WEinSPIRE is an initiative by the USAID’s Punjab Enabling Environment Project (PEEP) to support women livestock farmers that will be implemented over the next year. WEinSPIRE Bahawalpur trained 2,000 women in animal husbandry best practices, and provided loans through micro-finance institutions to over 35,000 women livestock farmers to start or expand their businesses.