WOMEN HOLD UP HALF THE SKY”

I

“Women hold up half the sky”

By SADIA WALI

International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide on 8th March. What is needed to be pondered is that it is not only a day celebration; it is a lifelong commitment to end injustice against women. For an average woman in Pakistan this might be an ordinary day. Pakistani society is still polluted with unheretical beliefs in the name of religion and culture, social constraints and discrimination based on deeply entrenched values and perceptions about women’s role in the society have created deep- rooted gender disparity. Pakistan has been ranked the second worst country in the world for gender equality for a second year in a row.

Gender parity is at the core of the MDGs. MDG 3 focuses upon the key challenges faced by women in three major areas: education, employment and political participation. Female education not only results in a large segment of society (women) having access to labour opportunities, enhance employment opportunities and higher wages for women. MDG3 aims to eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education by 2025.

According Global Gender Gap Report 2017, Pakistan continues to rank second worst country with the rank of 143 out of 144 countries in economic participation and opportunities and 135 in educational attainment. Providing equal opportunities for better quality education is critical for women and girls to improve their employment options. The report described Physical violence as the most shameful of all rights violations and one of the most intractable to eliminate fully.

The study conducted by the United Nations indicates that one third of the over 30 million working aged women in Pakistan are deemed economically active. The report emphasized how women spend 90% of their salary on their children and the health, education and well-being of their family. Owing to deep-rooted gender disparities pertaining to availability of opportunities and resources, only a small number of women in Pakistan are able to start and sustain an entrepreneurial venture. The report highlighted that investing in women’s economical participation is a direct way to gender equality, poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth; we need to give girls and women the equal opportunities to which they are entitled.

Pakistan is changing rapidly. Sixty per cent of the population under the age of 25 has high access to cellphones and internet. Women have begun to have awareness to their rights and now they can no longer be hold back. Young girls are going to college and schools. Even in the remotest of villages, young girls have come up to lead a better life. They want greater economic independence; they wish to take decisions regarding education, marriage and improve their social status.

We cannot forget the great revolutionary woman, Comrade TahiraMazhar Ali under whose leadership the international women’s day was observed first time in Pakistan on March 08, 1948. The struggle was continued by Mai Bakhtawar, Comrade Shanta and Asma Jahangir.

Hats off to young talented women in Pakistan who have high aspirations to bring social change in the country. There are countless other Pakistanis women who are working either as individuals or in teams in urban areas and far flung areas of the country.

 In the year 2017, women from diversified backgrounds have diligently worked in various fields. Let’s look at their notable achievements.

Syeda Ghulam Fatima. general secretary of the Bonded Labour Liberation Front Pakistan (BLLF), was presented with the Clinton Global Citizen Award 2015 for leadership in civil society Marium Mukhtar- Although the 24-year-old Flying Officer was martyred when her training aircraft crashed near Mianwali in November, Marium will always be remembered as the first lady pilot of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to attain the great honour

Dr Nergis Mavalvala-Pakistan-born astrophysicist played a part in discovery of gravitational waves

Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy became the first Pakistani to win two Oscar awards. Sharmeen won in the Best Documentary Short Subject for A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness in the 88th Academy awards. The documentary which sheds light on honour killings in Pakistan follows the story of a teenage girl shot in the face by her own family

Minhal Sohail-The 21-year-old became Pakistan’s first female shooter to compete at Olympics 2016. Although, she couldn’t win gold and secured 28th position in the 10m air rifle event. Minhal has made us proud by qualifying for the Rio Games Ayesha is Pakistan’s first ever female war-ready fighter pilot. The 26-year-old fighter, hailing from Bahawalpur, is one of the 19 women who have achieved the ranks of pilots in the Pakistan Air Force over the last decade – there are five other female fighter pilots but they have yet to take the final tests to qualify for combat

Shazia Asif Khan is an Educationist and Human Rights Activist. She is the founder and President of AAB- the need of life, an NGO in Karachi. She is the founder of Minerva Education System, a model school for underprivileged children in Gulshan, Karachi Saba Gul is the Founder and CEO of Popinjay, a social enterprise that empowers marginalised underprivileged girls in Pakistan with education and provides them with employment opportunities by selling their goods (embroidered handbags currently) to a high-end market

Today, the world mobilizes to accelerate gender parity in every sphere of influence. Women’s economic empowerment requires bold and sustained action to advance women’s opportunities and rights and to ensure that women can participate and be heard.

 Given the current economic challenges in Pakistan, there is an urgent need to focus on women’s economic participation, their rights and empowerment. To increase their economic opportunities, women need access to more and better jobs, a business climate that financially supports them in starting a business. Women have unique skills; their economic contribution can make a difference in GDP. As they can play a vital role for economic growth, government and private sector should provide innovative program to provide equitable access to high-quality education, healthcare, jobs and justice to women.

In a big rally staged today  by the Home Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF) in Karachi  demanded to end all discriminatory laws against women, and accept them as equal citizens. The speakers reiterated that the society could only prosper   if discriminatory laws and biased attitudes against women is eliminated. Sadly, there is no section in the labor laws of this country to end harassment of women at workplace. Women workers are deprived of social security, EOBI, health and safety and all basic rights which male workers enjoy at workplace.

They came up with important decisions such as:

·         The feudal and tribal system should be ended from the country, as this system has kept women enslaved for centuries. All anti women traditions should be ended, discrimination to women. KaroKari, WataSata and honor killings should be ended. The legal system should be improved and its access to common citizens ensured. Effective legislation should be carried out to end the religious extremism and it should also be implemented.There should be equal wages for equal work and the wages of workers should be increased.

Empowering women and girls is the only way to protect their rights and make sure they apprehend their full potential and utilize their skills in constructive purposes.

The writer works as Assistant Editor at Innovative solution, Karachi. She can be contacted at sadiawali@hotmail.com

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Let us take the courage to save the lives of our children in every way:

Let us take the courage to save the lives of our children in every way:   By Sadia Wali

Rape, murder of minor Zainab sparks barbarity. We need to raise our voice against this severe brutality. My eyes are clouded with tears, every time I see her innocent face. Violence against women and girls—including rape and child sexual abuse, murder, honor killings, acid attacks have become routine news now. In many countries these are considered as criminal offense punishable by law. Over the years, child sexual assaults and killings in Pakistan have been severely neglected.

The report of child abuse (2016) by Sahil NGO identifies Pakistan as the 11th country of the world with highest rate of child abuse/ sexual assault with 2500 cases each year and 3rd most dangerous country in the world for women. 4,139 children were sexually abused and assaulted in Pakistan in 2016. This figure shows that approximately 11 children were abused every day in 2016. The report said that children between the age groups of 6-10 and 11-15 were the victims of sexual abuse and assault. Such cases were mostly reported in Punjab (2,627). Kasur, adjoining city to the provincial capital of Punjab Province, has become the center of massive child sexual abuse since 2014 and 2015, estimating over 3500 cases of child molestation solely in 2014, of which 67% were reported in rural areas. In Sindh, reported cases were 987.  156 cases of sexual abuse were reported in Islamabad, 141 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 166 in Balochistan and 9 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

 As per Child Protection, in 2017 there has been 1764 cases of child abuse across Pakistan and 12 cases of rape and murder of minor girls all aged between 5 to 8 years in Kasur. The recent tragic case of Zainab’s kidnapping, rape and murder is one of these 12 cases.

    

The body of seven-year-old Zainab was found in a rubbish dump several days after she went missing. She had been raped and strangled. The minor girl, a resident of Road Kot area of Kasur, had gone missing on January 4 when she went to a tuition centre but never returned. At the time of the incident,  her parents were in Saudi Arabia where they had gone to perform Umrah.  Zainab's body was found in a garbage pile near Kashmir Chowk five days after her disappearance. The initial postmortem report of the minor stated that she was strangled to death after being raped multiple times.

Grief and anger prevails among the people throughout the country. Angry demonstrators demand serious measures to eradicate women harassment and provide speedy justice and respectful care to women who have been victim of this in humane act.

HBWWF rallies against Kasur incident held a rally in Karachi. HBWWF general secretary Zehra Khan along with women of  different walks of life participated. The speakers said that the Kasur incident was continuity of the exploitation that women and children have been suffering for long. Neither the state nor the society played its role seriously to end the abuse. Now it has become a custom. The speakers urged the heads of the administrative and political institutions to take up comprehensive policy to end the abuse in society.

This is the largest child abuse / child rape case in the history of Pakistan that has come into main stream media. There have been other incidents which were never spotlighted. The murder of Tania Khaskheli in Dadu, the naked parade incident in Dera Ismail Khan, five-year old girl raped and killed in Larkana in November 14, 2017. In Multan city,  a 12-year-old girl was raped by a teenager in a field in july 2017. Hundreds of women continue to suffer this fate each year. A similar incident occurred in Iran last year where a seven-year-old, Atena Aslani was assaulted and killed.  The Irani government openly hanged the assaulter in front of a large crowd. We demand the same from our Supreme court. The failure of government to provide speedy justice to the victims depict that our law, constitution and law enforcing agencies have failed in protecting children.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai said she was “heartbroken” by the news of Zainab's killing, saying: “This has to stop. Government and the concerned authorities must take action.”

"The condemnable and horrific rape and murder of little Zainab exposes once again how vulnerable our children are in our society. We have to act swiftly to punish the guilty & ensure that our children are better protected.” opined  group of civil society organizations and child protection organizations.

The Judiciary, lawyers and human rights organizations have also condemned this severe atrocious act. According to them, there are laws but not strictly promulgated. The new Sections 292 A, 292 B and 292 C, 328 A, 369 A, 377 A and 377 B have been incorporated in Pakistan Panel Code, 1860, making child pornography and exposure to seduction, a punishable crime. The culprit will be punishable by seven years in prison and a fine of Rs0.7 million. To undertake this task, existing laws are required to be harmonized with the UNCRC to effectively initiate requisite actions for meeting the standards set forth under the UNCRC.

They urged government to develop policy document, a plan of action and   proper mechanism to curb this menace. Culprits should be taken to task. The state institutions need to fulfill their responsibility to provide justice, security and maintaining law and order in the country.

Parents, educationists and people belonging to various professions have demanded justice for the Kasur girl and others who fell prey to sexual predators in the society. They stress over widespread awareness of child-related laws and also facilitate parents and children to prevent sexual abuse. To propagate this awareness, educational institution should include sexual harassment topics in their curriculum.

The nonprofit organization, From Darkness to Light has mentioned essential steps to protect children from sexual abuse.

Only 1 in 10 children report the abuse themselves. 22% of abused children are under 8 years old. The average age of abused children is 9. Most likely, you know a child who either has been or is being abused. Those children who keep the abuse a secret are more likely to suffer psychological, emotional, social, and/or physical problems that will most likely follow them into adulthood.

 Parents should know a child who has been abused. The abusers are mostly not "strangers," but are our friends and family members. Those who sexually abuse children choose the places where they have easy access to children such as clubs or schools. Always look for group situations to involve your child in rather than placing your child alone with one adult. Make sure parents observe or interrupt activities at any time. Parents should unexpectedly make a visit when their child is alone with any adult!

Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken down by talking openly about it. It is imperative to understand why children don't tell. Children who do disclose sexual abuse often tell a trusted adult other than a parent. Therefore, training for people who work with children in any capacity is very important .Children will often "shut down" and refuse to tell more if you respond emotionally or negatively. Talk openly with your child. Teach your child about her body, about what abuse is and as age-appropriate about sex. Teach her words that help her discuss sex comfortably with you. Listen with patience. Children have a hard time sharing troubling events with parents. Stay calm and follow a plan if your child reports abuse.

As a woman I deeply feel the pain of the mother who lost her precious child. This is the Islamic society where we are living: where the lives of a mother, sister and daughter are at risk. Who will guarantee and safeguard our lives? There seem to be no laws, no rules and it seems that we are living in a jungle among beasts. This is the time we must stand up!

Archbishop Arshad said that the whole nation weeps for this sin. It is a sin that shames us. Let us find the courage needed to take all necessary measures and to protect in every way the lives of our children, so that such crimes may never be repeated.”

The writer works as Assistant Editor at Innovative Solutions,Karachi. She can be contacted at sadiawali@hotmail.com

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Book Review- ONE HALF FROM THE EAST

ONE HALF FROM THE EAST

BY SADIA WALI

Where are you from I asked she smiled in mockery and said One Half from the East one half from the West .One half made of water and earth one half made of heart and soul one half staying at the shores and one half nesting in pearl

(From the poem “You are Drunk” by Rumi)

One Half of the East is an excellent title that will offer students a window into life in Afghanistan and open interesting, age-appropriate conversations about gender expectations and roles in different countries." -Starred review, School Library Journal

The sentimental story of two girls named Obayda and Rahima  is a struggle between hope  and hard realities, trying to define their self in a world where emotions and feelings are not preferred to norms and traditions. Obayda’s family is in need of some good fortune. Her father lost one of his legs in a bomb explosion, forcing the family to move from their home city of Kabul to a small village, where life was very different and Obayda’s father almost never left his room.

The story took a drastic change when Obayda’s khala named Khala Aziza suggested to bring the family luck—dress Obayda, the youngest of her sisters, as a boy, a bacha posh.  The tradition of bacha posh in Afghanistan is a remarkable way to explore what it means to be a girl. Families without boys physically transformed their girls into boys. Once girls reach puberty, they are changed back into girls. This tradition portrays gender roles, identity, and discrimination in society, implying that boys are better than girls. Undervaluing girls exists in every society; even our society portrays women as inferior to men. Girls are barred from school and forced to get married at early age when young girls have earnest desire to study and learn.

The idea of bacha posh astonished obayda and her elder sisters, Neela, Meena and Alia. Obayda was taken into the courtyard of the home by her mother and sisters. Her hair was cut short and dress up like a boy. Her name was changed to Obayd. According to her mother, “ Obayd is a boy. He needs the meat if he is going to be stronger.” The best food cooked was first served to obayd like two big pieces of chicken or drumsticks.

  Obayda thought, “I was the victor, the conqueror, the man.”

After summer vacations when school resumed, Obayd felt shy and embarrassed among boys. “Iam now in weird place between both  worlds.” Trying to act like  a boy is like learning a whole new language. I am really struggling to find words.”

Obayd found another bacha posh in the school. Rahim was three years older than Obayd. He also faced a tough time like Obayd but he became strong by time. The first time he looked at Obayd he uttered these words,

 “I know you because Iam you.” These words surprised Obayd.

Readers enjoyed the friendship of both the boys; Rahim would guide Obayd at every stage. Both the boys enjoyed various adventures. The first adventure was making a walking stick by Obayd for his father. The stick was made with ledge and thick fabric.

The second adventure was going to a mountain side to look for a waterfall which has mythical significance. There is always a rain bow in the waterfall. Those who stand under it, their desires are fulfilled. Obayd’s father believed that it changes boys to girls and girls to boys. Both the boys wanted to stand under the waterfall as they wish to be completely transformed into boys. Unfortunately, it was a tiring journey, they could not reach the waterfall as it grew dark and they feared harsh reaction from their parents.

The story took a serious turn when Rahim faced torturous attitude from his family and his father forcibly stopped him from going to school. He was changed back to girl and married to a cruel warlord of the locality named Abdul Khaliq. The moment Obayd learnt everything; the words of Obayd deeply moved the readers and brought tears to their eyes.

“I can’t forget about him. He is my best friend!” That is the truth. He is the one who made everything. I would have lost without him, fumbling through school confused about I was supposed to do or be.”

How Rahima looked up to be a bride, Obayd was anxious to see her. He left his home one morning to meet Rahima. The place was familiar to Obayd as both the boys went for adventure earlier. A big Haveli of Abdul Khaliq was located near the mountains. Obayd got the opportunity to see her.

“How could this have happened to someone like Rahim? Where is the bocha posh who taught me how to stand without falling?

 “She wipes a tear with the back of her hand and sniffles. I can’t believe how much things have changed in just a few days”. Rahima and Obayd departed after a brief sentimental and emotional meet up.

In the last part of the story, Obayd was transformed into girl again for two reasons. Obayd mother was expecting another baby and he might be a baby boy. Secondly, after losing friendship with Rahima Obayd became more confused, he went up to the waterfall and passed under a rain bow. Obayd parents felt he had lost his mind and he should be changed into girl soon.

According to Obayd, “My parents have decided to turn my world upside down for the second time.” I don’t know what I am.”

The author words for Obayd, “I woke up yesterday as  a  boy. Today I woke up as girl who looks like a boy. Iam either a new person or I haven’t changed at all.”

The story wholeheartedly tried to convince the readers that the gender of the child does not matter when it comes to love and affection; especially in case of bacha posh when girls are transformed into boys. Life was confusing for Obayda . How she felt being a girl then a boy and again a girl. Her life is a struggle to define herself in One Half from the East. It also implies hope and happiness amidst the hardship.

The last captivating words of the author, “You are the best of both the world- one half of the east  and one half of the west.”

Lastly, I being a reader felt:

Life is a struggle. Life will throw curveballs at you, it will humble you, it will attempt to break you down. There are times in your life where you’re challenged, where nothing seems to be going right, where tragedy strikes and you’re left to pick up the pieces. In some cases, being strong is simply about being able to persevere through extreme adversity. It can be something horrific like the tragic loss of a loved one, or something difficult and trying like getting laid off. It can also be emotional trauma, like recovering from a divorce or a tough break up.

Life was never meant to be easy – it’s a constant struggle, with extreme lows and extreme highs. Remember that the times when it’s most important to persevere are the times that you will be most tested. These experiences leave us feeling weak and hopeless. But that’s no reason to stay down for long. No matter what you’re going through in life, other people just like you have gone through the same or worse and come out stronger on the other side. It’s the inner strength, courage and sheer persistence that keeps you strong and never give up. Don’t be discouraged. It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.

Hope you will also enjoy reading the book as much as i did

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