Success Story: Success Story Roheen story

A Young Girl with Big Dreams

Roheen, a 20-year-old girl from Begum
Pura, Lahore, is a shining example of how
passion, determination, and timely support
can open doors to a brighter future. With
the help of HomeNet Pakistan (HNP) and
the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), she completed a
three-month certified dressmaking course
through Vocational Training Institute (VTI)
Shalimar, a step that transformed her life
and helped her embark on the path of
economic independence.

Growing Up in a Struggling Household

Roheen comes from a humble background where financial limitations
were part of everyday life. Her father is a laborer, and her mother
manages the household. Although her family always encouraged her to
study and do well, there weren’t many opportunities available to young
girls like her in the area. After completing her matriculation, Roheen felt
stuck—unable to continue her studies due to financial constraints and
unsure of how to support her family.

Discovering a Passion for Stitching

Even as a child, Roheen loved fashion and admired beautifully stitched
clothes. She often tried to sew clothes for her dolls using leftover fabric
pieces her mother gave her. As she grew older, she began mending
clothes at home and stitching simple outfits for her younger siblings.
However, without professional training, her work remained basic, and
she lacked the confidence to pursue it as a career.

A Game-Changing Opportunity

Everything changed when Roheen heard about a free certified
dressmaking course being offered at VTI Shalimar, supported by
HomeNet Pakistan and UNDP. The course targeted young women who
wanted to learn practical skills and gain financial independence. With
her mother’s support, Roheen eagerly enrolled, hoping it would be her
first step toward a better future.

“It felt like someone finally noticed us—girls who want to
do something, but just don’t know where to begin,” Roheen
recalled.

Learning and Growing at VTI Shalimar

The three-month training program at VTI Shalimar gave Roheen more
than just stitching techniques—it gave her discipline, confidence, and
hope. She learned how to take measurements, draft patterns, cut fabric,
operate sewing machines, and design various types of dresses. The
professional instructors encouraged her to express her creativity and
focus on quality work.

“Before the course, I didn’t know the right way to even hold
scissors or measure properly. Now I can stitch a full dress
from scratch,” Roheen shared proudly.

Starting a Home-Based Business

After completing her training, Roheen set up a small stitching station at
home. She started by stitching dresses for her neighbors and relatives.
Her designs were neat, her cuts well-fitted, and word of mouth soon
helped her gain more customers. Today, she takes regular stitching
orders for casual wear, school uniforms, and even formal dresses.

With every outfit she creates, she earns not just money, but respect and
confidence. Her parents are proud of her, and her younger siblings now
look up to her as a role model.

Financial Independence and Family Support

Roheen now contributes to her household income. Her earnings have
helped pay bills, cover her siblings’ school fees, and even allow for small
luxuries the family couldn’t afford before. For the first time, she feels
empowered and in control of her own life.

“I no longer feel like a burden. I feel responsible, useful, and
respected,” she said with a smile.

Looking Toward the Future

With her newfound confidence, Roheen has big dreams. She wants to
open her own tailoring shop in Begum Pura one day and train other girls
like herself. She believes that when one woman is empowered, she can
uplift an entire community.

“My journey has just started. One day, I’ll have my own
boutique, and I’ll teach other girls how to earn with dignity,”
she said.

Gratitude for HNP and UNDP

Roheen is deeply thankful to HomeNet Pakistan and UNDP for giving her
the opportunity that changed her life. Without their support, she would
still be sitting at home, unsure of her future. The course not only gave
her skills but also gave her the belief that she could build something
meaningful for herself.

A Role Model in the Making

At just 20 years old, Roheen has become a symbol of hope and
determination in Begum Pura. Her story shows the power of skill
development, community support, and the courage of young women
who dare to dream. With organizations like HNP and UNDP investing in
women like Roheen, the future of many underserved communities is
beginning to shine brighter.

About

HomeNet Pakistan is a network organizations formed to raised awareness about the working conditions of Home Based women workers who comprise 70% of informal workforce behind the country economic activities.