Women Youth Leadership in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Tourism Promotion in Baltistan
Project Completion Report (Summarized)
Funding & Partnership
Funding Source: This project was funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the AGEM Grant.
Technical Support: The project was implemented with technical support from the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) under the BEST4WEER initiative.
Implementing Organization: Gilgit Baltistan Archaeological and Heritage Foundation (GBAHF).
Total Reported Project Expenditure: PKR 800,200, covering community mobilisation, committee formation, capacity building, opening and closing ceremonies, female tour guide training, and development of training materials.
Abstract
The project “Women Youth Leadership in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Tourism Promotion in Baltistan” was implemented by the Gilgit Baltistan Archaeological and Heritage Foundation (GBAHF), funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the AGEM Grant, and supported by the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) under the BEST4WEER initiative.
The project focused on empowering women and young girls in the districts of Shigar, Kharmang (Mehdi Abad), and Skardu through community mobilisation, women-led heritage committees, leadership development, capacity-building programmes, and professional female tour guide training. These interventions strengthened local participation in cultural heritage conservation while creating opportunities for sustainable tourism and economic empowerment.
By promoting community ownership, preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and increasing women's participation in decision-making, the project established a sustainable model for heritage preservation, inclusive leadership, and community-based tourism that can be replicated across Gilgit-Baltistan.
Funding & Partners
- Funded by: Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- Supported by: Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) under BEST4WEER
- Implemented by: Gilgit Baltistan Archaeological and Heritage Foundation (GBAHF)
- Duration: 6 Months
- Locations: Shigar, Kharmang (Mehdi Abad) and Skardu
Executive Summary
The project empowered women and youth through community mobilisation, heritage conservation, leadership development, and tourism promotion. Women-led heritage committees were established, community awareness was enhanced, and female youth received professional tour guide training, creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods while preserving Baltistan's rich cultural heritage.
Objectives
Mobilise communities for heritage conservation.
Create women-led heritage committees.
Build leadership and tourism skills.
Promote inclusive and sustainable tourism.
Implementation Summary
The project started with an opening ceremony involving government departments, the University of Baltistan, AKRSP and tourism stakeholders. Community mobilisation sessions were held to encourage women’s participation. Democratic committee elections were conducted in Shigar and Mehdi Abad, followed by technical training on documentation, preservation, leadership, teamwork and community engagement.
Main Activities
- Opening Grant Ceremony and Multi-Stakeholder Meeting.
- Community mobilisation and awareness campaigns.
- Formation of Women Heritage Documentation & Promotion Committees.
- Capacity-building training in Shigar and Kharmang.
- Formation of the Female Youth Tour Guide Association.
- Two-day professional tour guide training.
- Closing ceremony and certificate distribution.
Project Photo Gallery
Replace these placeholders with photographs from the original report.
Project launch and stakeholder meeting.
Awareness sessions with women and communities.
Collaborative heritage planning meetings.
Leadership and heritage conservation training.
Professional guide training in Skardu.
Certificates and celebration of achievements.
Certificates and celebration of achievements.
Certificates and celebration of achievements.
Key Results & Impact
- Two functional women-led heritage committees established.
- Around 20 women trained in each district.
- 20 female tour guides trained in Skardu.
- Improved heritage awareness and documentation.
- Greater women's leadership and community ownership.
- Enhanced tourism skills and livelihood opportunities.
Challenges, Lessons & Sustainability
Challenges included initial resistance to women's participation, limited training time and difficult geography. The project demonstrated that community trust, inclusive participation and practical training are key to long-term success. Sustainability is supported through active committees, trained tour guides and partnerships with local institutions.
Recommendations
- Expand similar initiatives across Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Introduce advanced tour guide certification.
- Support women-led tourism enterprises.
- Continue mentoring, monitoring and institutional collaboration.
Financial Summary
| Major Cost Areas | Included |
|---|---|
| Community Mobilisation | ✓ |
| Committee Formation | ✓ |
| Capacity Building | ✓ |
| Opening & Closing Ceremonies | ✓ |
| Tour Guide Training | ✓ |
| Training Materials | ✓ |
Conclusion
The project successfully strengthened women’s leadership, protected cultural heritage and promoted sustainable tourism. It provides a scalable model for community-driven heritage conservation, women's empowerment and local economic development across Gilgit-Baltistan.