Eye on Corruption - Empowering Women to Change

First Assembly of Women held on 31st October 2013

Held at HF Eco Village Moak Sharif and Madiba Village Khakoo Wasan, Tando Allahyar, Sindh

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. INTRODUCTION

Women’s Assemblies were held in two target HF villages: Eco-Village Moak Sharif and Madiba Village Khakoo Wasan. These first assemblies were introductory meetings, in order to introduce women to the concepts of importance of education, the need for children’s well-being, women’s rights and children’s rights according to modules developed by Heritage Foundation and Transparency International (TI) Pakistan. The task of eye on corruption and empowerment of women in remote rural areas of Pakistan is extremely challenging. The communities suffer from abject poverty, high level of illiteracy, poor health and lack of resources/livelihoods. Women are the worst sufferers, as not only do they bear the burden of household chores and care of the family and children, they have to carry out extremely hard farming activities as well. It is with the background of 100% illiteracy among mothers, a state of dispossession and enormous social deficits in communities where the program has been undertaken.

2. STATE OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS

The schools in both villages have been non-functional. The teachers of these schools are not motivated enough to come and teach. The schools need cleaning and then maintenance. The women were told that in order to bring a change in their villages, they must get together and work towards motivating and applying pressure on the school representatives to take their children’s education seriously. They were also told to reduce their children’s labour on farms, so that they could receive an education – which was very important for their wellbeing.

3. ASSEMBLIES

In both villages they were informed that in view of the presence of HF in the village, and TIP’s willingness to take up matters with relevant authorities, they should inform the two organizations if they required any help in taking the programs forward. For the assemblies, shamiana (awnings) were erected with chairs for adults and durries (matting) for children. The first meetings were very successful as awareness raising events. This is the first time that the concept of the need for community action, particularly by women, has been introduced. This will strengthen other attempts of Heritage Foundation in order to bring about a change in the mindset for preparedness in case of disaster, importance of livelihood through low cost techniques and placing communities on the path of self reliance. The introduction of corrupt free society, and the importance of core values are essential in order to deal with social deficits and core poverty in the area.

MOAK SHARIF ASSEMBLY

The assembly was attended by approximately 100 women and 70 children. The meeting was addressed by Ar. Yasmeen Lari, CEO, Heritage Foundation and Maryam Mughal of TI Pakistan. The translation from Urdu to Sindhi was carried out by HF’s Social Mobilizer, Sumaira.

Women were asked if they had Identity Cards and whether any had their own bank accounts. Only 6 women did not have ID cards, but none had any bank accounts. In discussing the importance of education, women were asked to volunteer for ensuring that all children of the village either went to HF’s ParhoPakistan Centre or to the Government Primary School. Several women raised their hands. The names were noted by Ms. Sumaira in order that further discussion should take place with them. If they are willing to take on the responsibilities, cell phones will be provided to them. The assembly was informed that due to the intervention of HF and TI Pakistan and their own hard work, they must make the government primary school functional. They were told that the community needs to strengthen the procedures and regular attendance of the teacher and students in order to bring education in their villages.

KHAKOO WASAN ASSEMBLY

The assembly was attended by 100 women, approximately 90 men, and 40 children. The meeting was addressed by HF and TI Pakistan, including translation in Sindhi. A guest from South Africa Ms. Shagufta Khan also addressed regarding the importance of hygiene, and also for men to respect women and to desist from acts of verbal or physical violence against women and children.

When asked if they had Identity Cards, most responded with an affirmative; however on a query regarding bank accounts, neither men nor women had any bank accounts. Women were asked if they would volunteer for the task of getting children to school. In the case of the Khakoo Wasan village also, several women raised their hands. The names were noted by Ms. Sumaira in order that further discussion should take place with them.

Maryam Javaid, from TI Pakistan, spoke next and asked the women of the area to make it a priority to send their children to school every day. They were told that the only way this could happen was if they worked together and raised a voice against the irresponsible teachers of the area. They were also told to report any corruption-related hindrance or problem to TI Pakistan’s ALAC in their road to activating the school in their village.

The next assemblies are planned for the middle of November 2013, when Maa (Mothers) Committees of women volunteers will be formed. If women volunteers are willing to take on the responsibilities, cell phones will be provided to them.