MANILA - A new project launched by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aims to encourage more women to train in courses that are traditionally dominated by men.

Together with Procter and Gamble Philippines (P&GP), TESDA will implement the Ahon Pinay Kasama, which will make available evening classes for competency-based training in welding, plumbing, automotive servicing and electrical installation, courses that are more popular among men.

"The objective is to empower women in the workforce and open opportunities for them," TESDA Director General Irene Isaac said after signing a Memorandum of Agreement with P&GP, which was represented by Jaryd Chan, the company’s brand manager.

P&GP will also set up an electrical installation and maintenance laboratory at the TESDA Women's Center, the model training center for empowered women in the technical vocational education and training.

Fifteen students will be accepted for each course. The project will run from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017.