Re: Women, poverty and Pakistan.
There is a group here, I have to look it up that helps women in countries where they are not able to survive without males (male-dominated societies) in the homes. They work in areas of the Middle East and Africa. The women in those areas make things, sell to this group, and this group has stores in major cities here in America where they sell the items (anything - clothes, kitchen ware, nicknacks). I can't remember the name offhand, but it is a non-profit organization and my mother has gone overseas and has seen what the group does in other countries and she vouches for it. She is usually very sceptical about charities like this, but the prices they give the woman are around what they are sold for (there is a difference due to transport and the store rates, but it is a living income for the women that participate).
As an aside, I would call my mother for this info, but as progressive as she tries to be, she refuses to get a cell phone (no matter how much my husband and I yell at her) or to fly unless absolutely necessary. She is currently driving from Vermont to New Mexico. So, I will try to track the shop down tonight and post tomorrow the name of the organization.
Edit: Sorry, I am sure that all they need is a contact in Pakistan for a base, maybe if this is something you are passionate about a working relationship can be set up. I just wish my memory was not the way it was with names like it is now.