Sindh Government and KFC Partner to Empower Women Through Scooter Training and Mobility Programs

The Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) and global food chain KFC joined hands on Monday in Karachi to empower women through a new mobility and skills training initiative. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at a ceremony attended by key officials, including Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon and SMTA Managing Director Kamal Hakim Dayo.

Under this landmark agreement, training centers will be established in all divisional headquarters across Sindh to provide scooter-driving lessons exclusively for women. This initiative is aimed at enhancing women’s independence and mobility, a significant step toward gender equality in the province.

Addressing the event, Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted the Sindh government’s long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment. He emphasized the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) legacy of championing women’s rights, recalling how the late Benazir Bhutto initiated crucial programs such as the First Women’s Bank, Women’s Police Stations, and land distribution for landless women farmers. He also noted former President Asif Ali Zardari’s income support program, which financially aided millions of women.

Memon praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for pledging to rebuild two million flood-affected houses with ownership rights granted to women — calling it the world’s largest housing project focused on women’s empowerment.

One of the government’s standout successes has been the Pink Bus project, Pakistan’s first women-only public transport service, which has earned international recognition. Building on this, the government is now launching free Pink EV Scooties to provide women with greater personal mobility and independence. To date, 8,000 women have applied for the scooters, with 140 already holding valid driving licenses.

KFC has pledged full support for the initiative by offering scooter-driving training and covering licensing fees for participating women. The training will be rolled out at divisional headquarters throughout Sindh, ensuring widespread access.

Minister Memon assured that the scooter distribution would be merit-based and transparent, with a fair bidding process for project implementation. He also announced plans to introduce a women-only pink taxi service and confirmed the arrival of more buses, including double-decker models, next month.

The Sindh government has also made history by introducing Pakistan’s first electric buses, marking a step forward in sustainable public transport.

KFC CEO Raza Pirbhai expressed pride in partnering with the government on this impactful project. He reaffirmed KFC’s dedication to creating employment and training opportunities for women, supporting their right to lead empowered, independent, and dignified lives.

This collaboration between SMTA and KFC marks a significant milestone in promoting women’s rights and mobility in Sindh. By combining government vision and corporate support, it promises to open new doors for women, enhancing their participation in public life and strengthening the foundation of an inclusive society.