Biblioteca Complutense

"Empowering Women through Extended Services: Public Libraries of Lahore Playing their Role"
by Farasat Shafi Ullah and Saima Qutab

Women empowerment is the greatest necessity for Pakistan to cope with the current economic and qualified human resource crisis. Fortunately, the education level of females is increasing in big cities but, unfortunately, most women are not allowed to go out for professional training due to closed cultural and local norms. Women lack in professional training, personal grooming, health & legal information, ICT skills, etc.

Public libraries of Lahore are playing an extraordinary role to empower young girls and women to perform their role in national development. In Pakistani culture public libraries are offering a secure and trusted environment, verity of courses with skilled trainers and labs for the lowest cast of women.

Qualitative research methods are used to investigate the experience of trainers and trainees and institution authorities, nature of services, gaps and improvement needs for public libraries of Lahore.