Success Story: Success Story of Roheen

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 ShalimarA

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. 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.