In Pakistan, Christian women, particularly those living in slums, face systemic discrimination and oppression. With limited access to education and economic opportun...
In Pakistan, Christian women, particularly those living in slums, face systemic discrimination and oppression. With limited access to education and economic opportunities, many are forced to work as domestic helpers in Muslim households, where they often endure verbal and physical abuse. Some even fall victim to sexual assault by their employers, with little hope for justice. Legal systems rarely protect them, and any attempt to report abuse is met with retaliation, including false theft accusations, unjust arrests, and further mistreatment by police.
Amid this bleak reality, the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) offers a lifeline. By providing valuable skills training alongside spiritual growth, the VTC helps women break free from domestic servitude and rebuild their lives with confidence.
Sadia, a young woman from Sialkot, shares her own story of struggle and hope. “My father moved us from our hometown because the situation was becoming unbearable. People were growing hostile, and their intentions felt dangerous. It’s strange how some people blame Christians for the Israel-Palestine war as if we are involved. It’s simply unfair and outrageous.”
After relocating, Sadia’s family learned about the VTC. Despite the distance, Sadia was drawn to the idea of spiritual and personal growth. She and her mother visited the center, and Sadia immediately felt welcomed by its atmosphere and mission. “The focus on Bible classes, alongside skill development, is truly inspiring,” she says. “It felt like a place where I could grow in faith and learn something meaningful.”
Sadia’s journey to the VTC is not an easy one. The center is 6 kilometers away, and as a young woman traveling alone, she faces unwanted attention from men on the streets. To protect herself, Sadia wears an abaya and face veil, which has helped her avoid some of the harassment. “Most people assume I am a Muslim girl and hesitate to act inappropriately because they fear repercussions if I report them,” she explains. “This small step has made my journey safer.”
Despite these challenges, Sadia remains motivated by the potential of what she will achieve through the VTC. “The motivation of achieving a skill that will positively impact me and my whole family in the future keeps me going,” she says.
“The motivation of achieving a skill that will help my family keeps me going,” she says.
Sadia’s story is just one example of the challenges faced by Christian women in Pakistan, but it also highlights the hope and transformation that education and faith can bring. With the support of VOM, the VTC has transformed the lives of many students from persecuted backgrounds. These students have gained valuable skills that help them earn a living and support their families, while also growing stronger in their faith. The Centre provides a nurturing environment where students are equipped with practical skills and spiritual encouragement to confidently walk in their journey with God.
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