The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has launched its project titled Women Empowerment through Hotel Management Training , to provide skill development opportunities to unemployed women in hospitality and tourism. The launching ceremony was attended by representatives of development and humanitarian organizations and a large number of girls who have already benefited from the project, said an official statement. Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Ministry Secretary Malik Asif Hayat gave away certificates to as many as 56 successful trainees. The project is part of ILO s country programme Women employment concerns and working conditions in Pakistan. Funded by Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the project aims to provide direct assistance to women to secure decent employment and improve the quantity and quality of employment with a view to promote their empowerment. The project that began in June 2007 will provide free of cost training in hotel management to 318 women till March 2008. Targeting women aged 18 to 35 the programme will ensure free and safe accommodation and transportation to the beneficiaries coming from remote areas.
