Carpentry is traditionally considered a man’s job in Pakistan, but a few brave women are changing that mindset, from carving unique wooden utensils to building an entire house. In two short films, VOA and BBC Urdu Services spoke to several women who wanted to hammer home the point that not only are women integral to their community and the economy, they can also build things as well as men.

Video 1: Women Carpenters in Pakistan by VOA Urdu Service

“Carpentry is considered a man’s work in Pakistan and women are often discouraged from doing it. Wherever women go, they face issues that affect their honour, religion, culture, and social norms. However, when they step out and do something in order to take care of their family, then they realize that their honour, religion, culture and everything is still in place” — Excerpt from the video below, which has been reproduced from the VOA website. Bezhan Hamdard narrates the report in English.

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Video 2: Pakistan’s Proud Women Carpenters Breaking Stereotypes, BBC Urdu Service

The following video is in Urdu.

Date posted: May 20, 2024.

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