KADO is a hybrid not-for-profit organization that blends modern and indigenous approaches to drive sustainable development in the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. We aim to empower marginalized communities by fostering entrepreneurship, digital livelihoods, women’s empowerment, Inclusion of PWDS, and skill development.
KADO’s philosophy of governance emphasizes practical policies. Since our inception, we’ve crafted policies to ensure our sustainability on organic grounds. We’ve always prioritized the empowerment and safety of women, whether within our organization or as beneficiaries.
In a relatively short span, with limited resources, KADO has adeptly balanced community-driven development, broader development mandates, and region-specific strategies. The magnitude of our projects and KADO’s presence as a resilient local institution attest to our unwavering commitment to uplifting the vulnerable sectors of our society.
We have brilliant minds shaping our vision at Karakorum Area Development Organization. Our team is a diverse blend of passion, expertise, and creativity. From visionary leaders to meticulous professionals, each member is dedicated to driving innovation and ensuring contribution towards positive social impact our community. Together, we’re not just a team; we’re a collaborative force committed to turning ideas into impactful realities.
Thread Net Hunza –TNH is a marketplace for hand-crafted products made by women artisans from across Hunza. TNH has evolved over the years to become a well-known brand for selling artisanal products online and offline. It started as a project back in 1996, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC) and KADO under the Karakoram Handicraft Development Programme (KHDP). This initiative brought together Artisans, Women, and Special Persons by training them in high-quality markets using traditional patterns and embroidery skills to preserve and promote those skills and products by selling them at local markets, which helped improve the social and economic conditions of these communities.
The initiative resulted in the formation of independent women-owned companies, which is the testimony of the commitments of its stakeholders to promote handicrafts and leverage income and employment opportunities, and continue building the capacity of rural women, low-income families, and disabled members of the community.